Apprenticeship Week is now underway and three apprentices are now hard at work on Huddersfield’s new sports centre.
They are learning new skills such as ground working, joinery, brickwork, plastering painting and decorating on the site at Springwood with the new leisure centre now taking shape.
It is on schedule to open next summer.
The role of apprentices was set out when Kirklees Council’s chose BAM Construction Ltd to build the new leisure centre. BAM have used Yorfutures shared apprenticeship scheme to recruit these apprentices.
As well as recruiting apprentices, BAM is working with Kirklees College offering students work experience on the site with at least 50 learners from the college due to work alongside sub-contractors.
They are also working closely with Greenhead and Huddersfield New College students who are getting involved in environmental learning and employability skills. Ten people have gained employment, and more than 100 have visited the site or been supported with curriculum activities in local schools or colleges.
Jordan Hall, one of the three new apprentices said: “I found the apprenticeship advertised on indeed.com. My intention is to complete this apprenticeship and college course to get good qualifications at the end to do the job I want to do.”
Another apprentice, Santos Bangura, said: “I looked through various sites on the internet, found the apprenticeship scheme at Futureworks and applied. I’m really looking forward to completing my course and learning more about the construction industry. Hopefully, after finishing my apprenticeship I can pick the right trade for me and start working full-time for a large company.”
Dominic Flanagan was already working for a builder and joiner for four months before applying for the post.
Kirklees Council is committed to commissioning organisations that are fully supportive of the role apprentices play in creating a sustainable vibrant economy.
Acting council leader Clr David Sheard said: “We can only build a stronger economy and get more people into work by working with businesses that support apprentices – this is a council priority.
“The work BAM are doing will help us achieve just that. BAM will offer these three young people the chance to get the skills they need to enter the workplace, such as working in a team, good timekeeping and following health and safety instructions. We are committed to supporting young people into skilled work. We’ve seen first-hand in our own organisation how apprentices are incredibly productive and valued members of staff.”
Businesses who would like to find out more about the advantages of apprenticeships and the support available to help with recruitment can contact the Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub by calling 01484 437075 or emailing: apphub@kirklees.gov.uk
To find out more about the new leisure centre visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/huddersfieldleisurecentre
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