From the frontline: Lee Barker

What does your job involve?

My role involves managing a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)-accredited construction skills centre, which means that I can deliver nationally recognised qualifications. 

Each week we deal with up to 60 students aged 14 and above. We are an accredited Key Stage 4 alternative training provider for Salford. The young people we support are from local schools that have students with learning difficulties and pupil referral units. Often they are at risk of being excluded, have been excluded or have been involved in criminal activities. We also help run programmes engaging young people at risk of being involved in organised crime gangs.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Having the chance to change lives. I can act as a positive role model, helping them move forward and see the opportunities they have in the future.

And the most challenging?

Dealing with people who have multiple barriers to employment and uncertain futures that could result in them committing crime. 

What’s the one thing you’d do to address the skills shortage?

I would engage with more schools to identify opportunities for young people who are not academic and who are at risk of leaving school with no qualifications.

I’d encourage schools to support young people to engage with more practical training options which would enable them to achieve a qualification to help in their future career paths.

I would also encourage multi-agency partnerships to support people with offending histories or who are at risk of offending.

How do you like to unwind after a day at work?

I love to spend time with my family. I also manage a local junior football team while taking the time to watch my eldest son, Brandon, who is a professional footballer with Manchester City and an England U-20 international player.

If you had a superpower what would it be?

Time travel. I’d then be able to go back and spend quality time with family members who are not here now. I would also like to meet John Lennon as his music had a massive impact on my life.

What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?

I would make it my mission to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.