'AI can’t plaster a wall' - New Blackpool trade school training next generation amid record uni applications
‘Ultimately, it will be a very rewarding option for the next generation in the construction industry.’
A pioneering new school has opened in Blackpool with one bold mission - to tackle the growing shortage of skilled workers threatening the future of Britain’s workforce.
It’s an issue resurfacing again and again - who will build our homes and tackle practical jobs in the future?
Many young people are being encouraged to believe that success can only be found behind a desk, armed with a university degree. But, through a pioneering new school in Blackpool, one man is keen to show that there are other paths available to young people.
Paul David who has set up a new independent plastering and tiling school on Squires Gate Industrial Estate to teach young people a vital and much needed trade - especially in an age where AI seems to be the future.
Paul said: “We had an empty unit last October and now we have a fully operational training facility that offers a gap in the market for short courses in plastering and tiling. It is aimed at everyone aged 15 and over, DIY’ers, mums, dads, trades looking at gaining extra skills but a big emphasis is on school leavers.
“We feel our courses would give an extra option of experience for those undecided on their future in an industry suffering a huge shortage, which ultimately will be a very rewarding option for the next generation in the construction industry.”
A record-breaking number of university places were napped up as young people celebrated A level results earlier this week. It is estimated that more than 262,000 18-year-olds in the UK have been accepted to universities across the country, up three percent from last year.
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UCAS said it is the highest number of placed students on results day on record, driven by a rising number of 18-year-olds in the population. And Artificial intelligence may transform the workplace, and many jobs will undoubtedly change. But AI cannot physically install a boiler, repair a leaking roof or lay bricks on a building site.
That’s where Paul David’s School of Plastering and Tiling is looking to change the narrative - to train young people in a much-needed trade. There are a range of different courses available - from a basic one day skimming course to intensive four day training.
Special courses on offer to make the hands on training affordable with the sole intention of kick-starting a career, encouraging the next generation of plasterers and tilers.