Eight construction apprentices have joined the Renaissance Consortium's apprenticeship training scheme in East Manchester.

The new recruits - all from East Manchester - have been taken on through a major refurbishment and redevelopment programme underway in Miles Platting.

Each trainee has been given a two-year contract with housing regeneration specialist Lovell and will work towards NVQ qualifications in either a building trade, such as plastering or joinery or learn a variety of trades as a multi-skilled apprentice.

The apprentices will have the opportunity to gain experience on site working on the Miles Platting housing regeneration programme being carried out by the Renaissance Consortium, which is made up of Lovell, Abactus Housing Association and Investors in the Community.

Creating jobs and training opportunities is a key part of the Miles Platting regeneration. The latest recruits bring the total number of apprentices taken on through the Renaissance Consortium programme to 17.

-- Advertisement --

Eddie Smith, Chief Executive of New East Manchester, said: "This is a good example of how the physical regeneration of the area and improvement in the environment and living conditions is closely linked to creating jobs and providing training for local people."

During a special induction day on 11 August, the new recruits toured the Miles Platting site and were presented with tool kits. Lovell Regional Training Advisor Sharon Tyer commented: "Giving local people the opportunity to gain qualifications and training is an important part of the work taking place in Miles Platting.

"We had a tremendous response to our apprentice recruitment drive with more than 170 applications and it's great to see our latest apprentice intake joining us."

The trainees will each have their own training programme made up of practical experience, working alongside experienced craftspeople combined with college-based training at MANCAT or the national Lovell Craft Academy, the company’s dedicated apprentice training centre which is based in Leicestershire.

Renaissance is working with New East Manchester and Manchester City Council on a large-scale regeneration scheme in Miles Platting which includes the refurbishment of more than 1,500 council homes with improvements including new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems, new external doors and windows and external improvement work.

Later this year, building work is set to start on more than 1,000 family houses and apartments in Miles Platting.

(JM/KMcA)