28 Jun 2010

For immediate release

Apprentices building for the future

Four young Liverpool men have been given the opportunity to train in the construction industry thanks to Liverpool's Housing Market Renewal programme.

Nationally known house builder Bellway is working on a new development in Edge Hill, known as Williamson Place. The first phase will deliver 54 homes, and 164 in total.

The scheme, which falls within the Kensington Renewal Area, will provide three-and -four bedroomed houses, and two-bedroomed bungalows. The majority of the new properties will be for local people affected by the Edge Hill regeneration programme.

The four apprentices are now on site, gaining hands-on experience of bricklaying and joinery from time-served tradesmen, and laying the foundations for their future careers.

They were all supported into the scheme through the Liverpool JET Eastern Link service, based in the nearby Job Bank.

For Jordan Spencer, 19, the opportunity also means he is playing an active part in building a brighter future for his own neighbourhood. Jordan, who lives just minutes from the site, said: "I was looking for work for a while, and was really pleased when I got on the apprenticeship. It means I've got a good chance at building a career in construction, and it also means when these houses are up, people I know will probably be living in them - and it's satisfying to know I've played a part in that."

Michael Wain, 17, who also lives nearby in Wavertree, joined the apprenticeship scheme after gaining a distinction in his Level 2 diploma in bricklaying.

Also on site are Alan Jacques from Garston and Craig Fitzgibbon from Gateacre, both 17.

Joe Anderson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "Apprenticeships are a valuable tool in training the work force of tomorrow. As Leader of the Council, I have committed to giving a shot in the arm to our apprenticeship programmes, and I've challenged the council to create more apprenticeships this year. I am delighted that Bellway have also taken such a proactive approach to apprenticeships, and that they've already got apprentices getting stuck in and learning their trade.

"The regeneration of the Kensington and Edge Hill areas is a real success story, and we are now starting to reap the rewards. One of the benefits is schemes like this, where four young men have been given a head start on their careers. We wish Jordan, Michael, Craig and Alan all the best for their futures."

Ian Hopkins, Construction Manager at Bellway, said: "We are delighted with all four of our apprentices. They play a vital role within the construction of Williamson Place, and we hope they make the most of the opportunity to learn from our existing tradesmen."

Margaret Wilson, Training/Business Co-ordinator with Liverpool JET Eastern Link, added: "We have always enjoyed a good relationship with Bellway, supporting local people into work with them, and it is very satisfying to see these four young men embarking on their apprenticeships."

Williamson Place is part of the wider Housing Market Renewal programme in Liverpool, falling within the Wavertree Zone of Opportunity and comprising refurbishment, new build and clearance.

Notes to Editors

• NewHeartlands is one of ten HMR pathfinders in the country. It is tasked with regenerating the inner Merseyside area by tackling low-demand and poor-quality housing markets, usually in some of the UK's most deprived areas. We work closely with Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral Councils and other partners including the Home and Communities Agency, private developers, RSLs and residents.

• The programme started in 2003 and is expected to run for 10-15 years. The homebuilding plans are only one aspect of the programme which also includes job creation, social regeneration and community building, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and boosting prosperity.

For more information contact: Debbie Johnson

NewHeartlands

Tel: 07894 398800

debbiemjohnson@hotmail.com