RGB Building Supplies, which has a branch in Wellington, is running its 30th Well Built Community Fund and giving the chance for charities, colleges and community groups which help young people learn a trade the chance to receive £1,000 to spend at an RGB branch.

The construction industry is facing a skills shortage and the firm is seeking to help those which support future tradespeople, whether that is by enabling a college to update its tools or a community project to purchase materials to help young people learn a trade.

Since 2014, RGB has helped 29 groups take on projects they were struggling to complete by giving £1,000 every other month to a worthy cause.

Ed Hegarty, branch manager at RGB Wellington, said: “Since we launched our Well Built Community Fund, we have helped a wide range of groups including schools, charities, animal welfare groups, care homes and community organisations. It’s our way of saying thank you for the support that our customers have given us since the company was founded nearly 170 years ago, and we’re delighted to be launching our 30th giveaway.

“It’s been well-publicised that our industry needs more young people coming into it, so we want to offer assistance to organisations that provide training and support, and we look forward to hearing how a donation could help.”

Groups, charities and schools can apply by emailing [email protected] and explaining how receiving £1,000 to spend at an RGB branch would be of benefit. Nominations can also be posted to RGB Community Fund, c/o PMW Communications, PO Box 167, Bideford, Devon, EX39 9DU.  The closing date for nominations is Sunday, June 30.

From all the nominations received, a selection will be chosen to go through to a vote where the public will be asked to decide who should receive the donation of materials.

Until February, 2020, RGB will also be inviting groups to apply for £1,000 worth of decorating supplies, tools and building materials, timber and landscaping products, as well as £1,000 to help transform a kitchen or bathroom area.

Terms and conditions can be found on RGB’s website.