Young people across Hull have been given the chance to undertake apprenticeships as part of Riverside and Hull City Council’s £80m investment in new extra care developments for the city.

Celebrated during National Apprenticeship Week (March 14-18), the boost to local training has formed part of a commitment by national developer, Wates Living Space Homes, to use its role on the project to create opportunities for young people in Hull.

Joe McFadyen, aged 19 years, is one of 48 apprentices undertaking work at the Hull Extra Care PFI scheme. After completing his NVQ level two in Maintenance Operations last year, Joe discovered a passion for brick laying.

Joe, who gained his apprenticeship through Futureworks in Posterngate, is now studying towards an NVQ level two in brick laying and plans to pursue a career in this area of the construction industry.

Commenting on his apprenticeship, Joe said: “I am really enjoying being a part of the Wates team and am learning new things every day. My experience on the Hull Extra Care PFI project at Harrison Park has given me a deep understanding of the value in completing an apprenticeship and I would urge others to consider this as a potential route into their chosen career path.”

Social housing and regeneration specialist, Riverside, and Hull City Council, appointed Wates Living Space Homes as the developer for the multi-million pound project in April 2014.

The partnership is seeing Wates and Riverside jointly deliver over 300 apartments as part of a contract to design, build and manage three extra care schemes for Hull City Council – Harrison Park at Hall Road; Cecil Gardens at Hawthorn Avenue and Redwood Glades at Leads Road.

Designed by Croft Goode Architects, the facilities will provide accommodation for adults with care and support needs in the area. The apartments will be vibrant places, allowing residents to live independently and participate in the local community.

Councillor Helena Spencer, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Prevention and Safeguarding Adults, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for young people to gain valuable experience working on a live and large-scale building site developing the three extra care facilities, offering insight to the different stages of construction.

“The strong partnership we have with local businesses provides apprentices with a vital platform to develop their knowledge and to gain vital practical skills. We appreciate the continued support from organisations in the construction sector offering our young people valuable employment and training opportunities, which could be the start of a long and successful career.”

Joanne Jamieson, Managing Director, Wates Living Space Homes, commented: “As the economic climate improves, the construction industry continues to grow and brings with it an influx of local training and recruitment opportunities. The investment in Hull is a model example of the opportunities that this then presents for young people to join one of the UK’s most important and vibrant industries.

“We must safeguard the future success of the sector by encouraging young and promising talent into the construction arena. Joe and his apprentice colleagues in Hull are testament to how this can be achieved and we will continue to champion apprenticeships as we look to grow our presence in the region.”    

Dominic Beha, Riverside’s Senior Project Manager, said:

“We are delighted to welcome so many young, ambitious people, many of whom were born and bred in Hull, to the team.

“While we currently have nearly 50 apprentices on site across a range of roles from business administrators to maintenance operatives, there will be further employment opportunities with the creation of a hair and beauty salon and a restaurant at each of the three sites.”