Lovell, which is working on a major housing improvement programme in Bradford, is giving two local teenagers the chance to build careers in the construction industry.

Mohammed Tafoor, who lives in Manningham, and Shaun McBride, from Lidget Green, are both learning their trades with Lovell under the company's apprenticeship scheme. Incommunities', formerly Bradford Community Housing Trust, multi-million pound modernisation programme to bring thousands of local homes up to a level in excess of the Government's Decent Homes Standard.

Mohammed, 18, and Shaun, 19, were both recruited by Lovell from Accent Community Partnerships. Accent delivers the YouthBuild and Entry to Employment (E2E) schemes, construction-based training and employment schemes run in partnership with industry training body ConstructionSkills, Bradford College and local construction companies to provide long-term employment opportunities for local young people.

-- Advertisement --

In addition to their work on site, Mohammed and Shaun both attend the Lovell Craft Academy, the company's national apprentice training centre based within Stephenson College in Coalville, Leicestershire, on a block release basis. Both are studying for an NVQ Level 2 qualification in maintenance operations which sees them learning about a number of different construction trades such as joinery, bricklaying and plumbing.

Jez Lester, Incommunities' Assistant Chief Executive of Asset Management said: "I am delighted that Lovell - one of our three construction partners - is investing in these local young people as part of its apprenticeship programme. As well as receiving college-based training they will get valuable on the job experience working on Incommunities' modernisation programme. This structured training is, I know, greatly benefitting our own trade apprentices and their career development."

(CD/JM)