You’re hired! – New apprenticeships created in Oldham

Published by Claire Tinston for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Communities

Symphony Housing and housing regeneration specialist Bramall Construction have hired four new apprentices as part of a joint pledge to create employment opportunities for local people at their St Mary’s scheme – a flagship development in Oldham centre.

This latest recruitment drive brings the total number of apprentices working on the £15m scheme up to nine, with two apprentices employed at the start of the contract and three apprentices employed by Bramall’s subcontractors. 

Andrea D'Avanzo, Regeneration Investment Officer for Symphony Housing Group said:  “As a major social housing provider in the North West we are keen to exploit all opportunities to create work and training for local people.  We have been very impressed with Bramall Construction’s commitment to the young people who will have a skill for life when they are fully qualified.”

The St Mary’s scheme will comprise 52 social rented homes and 41 shared ownership properties and will include some of the most eco-friendly designs in the North West, providing the apprentices with a unique opportunity to get involved in the construction process.

Up to 89 homes will reach Code 3 under the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes, and the remaining four houses will reach the zero carbon standard, Code 6. 

The Code 6 zero carbon homes include features such as photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, recycling rainwater devices, waste recycling and eco efficient boilers for improved insulation.

Jack Chadwick, 18, and Andrew Chappell 18, have been hired to work as apprentice joiners on the development.  The pair will join apprentice plumber Shaun Cadwallader, 17, and apprentice bricklayer Craig Kemp, 20, in constructing the energy efficient homes, with all four attending Oldham College once a week to gain their NVQ qualifications.

Bramall’s Site Manager Anthony Kavanagh said: “The four apprentices have made a great impression so far, they’re really hard working and are willing to get stuck into their work which is refreshing.

“The recruitment drive was aimed specifically at the local postcode area and we leafleted people’s houses, whittling down the successful candidates from 30 interviewees down to four.

Jack and Andrew have already done some work at college before coming to us so we anticipate that they’ll get their NVQ Level 3 within the next 18 months.” 

Apprentice plumber Shaun, who lives in the St Mary’s ward, said: “I was delighted to get this position, it’s going to be three years training in total and it’s great to be working in a hands on role, instead of just learning the trade from text books.

“The job is really varied as it’s not just fitting pipes to kitchens and bathrooms, it also involves helping with excavation so I’m learning a lot as I go along.”

“I feel very lucky to be offered this opportunity, especially as the construction industry has taken a big hit in the recession.

“I’m really enjoying working for Bramall and I’d love to work full time for the company at the end of my apprenticeship. My family are all very proud of what I’ve achieved.”

Apart from job creation, Bramall and Symphony Housing Group are investing heavily in the Oldham community through a range of initiatives which include working with local schools.