Young people all over Hertfordshire are set to benefit from training and job opportunities thanks to an apprenticeship scheme launched yesterday by Balfour Beatty at Stevenage Skills Centre.

Balfour Beatty Apprenticeships (Hertfordshire) has been developed to maximise opportunities for young people in the area as a result of the £80 million Balfour Beatty Hertfordshire schools scheme for the design, construction and provision of facilities management for two mainstream secondary schools and a special educational needs school in Stevenage.

The apprenticeships will be delivered in partnership with the North West Apprenticeship company, with training provided by North Hertfordshire College.

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Young people will have the opportunity to take up apprenticeships in a range of areas including construction trades, ICT and facilities management, within Balfour Beatty’s supply chain companies.

Balfour Beatty Apprenticeships (BBA) operates as a flexible and sustainable ‘shared’ apprenticeship model, offering young people the chance to participate in apprenticeships, whilst moving between and working within a number of businesses in Balfour Beatty’s supply chain.

This ensures continuity of employment, security and breadth of on-the-job experience, to ensure achievement of the full apprenticeship framework.

Addressing an audience of education, business and regeneration chiefs, Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: "There has never been a more important time to develop the skills and aspirations of our young people. I am delighted that the Building Schools for the Future programme is not only delivering new and outstanding learning environments for Marriotts, Lonsdale and Nobel students but thanks to this initiative from Balfour Beatty fantastic training, skills and career opportunities are available to some young people from Hertfordshire."

(CD/GK)