Lovell, which is working on a major housing improvement scheme in the Derbyshire Dales, is giving two local teenagers the chance to build careers in the construction industry by taking them on as apprentices.

Matt Hoare from Ashbourne and John Scowby from Spondon, Derby, have both secured places on the national Lovell apprentice training programme. The duo are starting their careers working as part of the Lovell team carrying out a £9 million housing modernisation programme for 1,500 homes managed by Dales Housing.

Matt, 17, and John, 18, will both be studying for NVQ Level 2 qualifications in maintenance operations, where they will learn a variety of trade skills including carpentry, bricklaying and plumbing.

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In addition to learning his trade on site, Matt attends the Lovell Craft Academy, the company's national apprentice training centre at Stephenson College in Coalville, Leicestershire, where he is studying for his NVQ qualification on a block release basis. Having gained his NVQ Level 2 in bricklaying, John isn’t required to attend college. Instead, his work on site is assessed by examiners who visit him on a regular basis.

On site, Matt and John are closely supervised by qualified tradespeople and receive support and guidance from Lovell regional training advisor Emma Giles, who oversees their training.

"Matt and John are exactly the sort of young people we want to attract to our apprentice training programme – talented and dedicated with great enthusiasm to learn," said Lovell Regional Training Advisor Emma Giles. "We're looking forward to helping them learn the skills they’ll need for long and successful careers in the construction industry."

(CD/KMcA)