[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Four local apprentices are building bright new careers thanks to the Kier Group who have partnered with Calico Career’s Constructing the Future programme on their Atherleigh Park site in Leigh.
Jack Davies, Nikita Brookes, Daniel Tyack and Sam Brownrigg all from the Wigan and Leigh area have been an integral part of the Kier Construction team, working to complete the new state of the art Atherleigh Park Mental Health Hospital, Leigh to replace the existing facilities at Leigh infirmary.
The new facility will be split into two separate buildings providing in-patient services for adults suffering from mental health issues as well as patients with dementia and memory conditions.
Working closely with the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Constructing the Future ensured that opportunities were created to fulfil the £30m investment won by the Kier Group under the NHS Procure21+ procurement initiative.
The Constructing the Future programme in partnership with CITB, offers placements for young people who are employed through the scheme and then placed with local contractors for work placements.
Nikita Brookes, Apprentice Joiner said “Being on the Atherleigh Park site has helped me to improve my confidence and become comfortable around others. To say I am the only female working on site it hasn’t bothered me at all, I was surprised how open everyone has been with me and it has just been a blast.”
Daniel Tyack, Apprentice Ground Worker said “Prior to this apprenticeship I was a student at a local college studying I.T, I found out it wasn’t for me and ended up applying for this apprenticeship. I am enjoying it and looking forward to completing the course and getting the trade under my belt.”
Andy Young Kier Project Manager,” it feels good to give these local youngsters an opportunity to gain some experience on this fantastic project and within the construction industry. They are all developing with the knowledge and site skills they are gaining from the trades operative they are working with”
The partnership between Calico Careers and the Kier Group is working to tackle the growing skills shortage in the construction industry along with creating opportunities and jobs for the local people in the area.
For more information on Constructing the Future please visit www.calico.org.uk/ctf or email Jane Smith jsmith@calico.org.uk[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DfIzuQYPAI”][/vc_column][/vc_row]