An apprentice scheme launched two years ago as part of a major regeneration programme for Miles Platting, east Manchester, is in the running for a national award.

The training scheme, set up by the Renaissance Consortium to give local people the opportunity to learn new skills and gain qualifications, has been shortlisted in the Homes and Communities Academy Awards 2009.

The Miles Platting apprentice programme is one of five finalists in the Skills for Better Places category of the awards which are run by the skills arm of the Homes and Communities Agency, the government's national housing and regeneration organisation. The award winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Roundhouse, north London, on 4 June.

Since its launch in August 2007, the Renaissance apprenticeship scheme has provided employment for 18 locally recruited trainees working on the Miles Platting housing regeneration scheme. The regeneration programme is being carried out by the Renaissance Consortium - which is made up of Lovell, Adactus Housing Association and Investors in the Community -on behalf of Manchester City Council and New East Manchester.

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Trainees work towards qualifications in construction trades such as plastering, joinery and multi-skilled with others studying for office-based qualifications in a neighbourhood management training role. Each training position combines on-the-job training with college-based learning at Manchester College of Arts and Technology and Salford University or at the Lovell Craft Academy, the company's national apprentice training centre in Leicestershire.

A key element in the success of the training programme has been the strong support network which Renaissance has created for the trainees, with Lovell providing mentoring support for the apprentices and Adactus establishing a rolling programme of management training courses to help line managers working with the trainees.

Lovell People Development Manager Bruce Boughton said: "Getting a training place on this scheme has made a real difference for so many of the young people involved, giving them a real opportunity to gain skills and qualifications that will enable them to pursue a career in the construction industry. It's great to see the scheme recognised as an example of best practice by being shortlisted for this important award."

(CD/JM)