Member Article

Countryside Boosts Employment Prospects For Knowsley Residents

Construction of more than 500 new homes has seen apprentices flourish through home builder Countryside’s ‘Employment and Skills Plan’, in partnership with Knowsley Council.

As part of its National Apprentice Week (6 - 13 March) celebrations, Countryside has praised the hard work of its 17 apprentices, with participants in the scheme benefitting from experience in a range of construction roles - from joinery to plumbing, plastering, bricklaying and electrical.

After six months on site the new apprentices are settling in well and have gained new skills and experience. Amongst the new recruits is 17 year-old Conor Joyce, who is one of four apprentices training to become an electrician and has worked on a variety of Countryside’s Merseyside developments, including the award winning NGV Liverpool.

Conor commented: “I am really enjoying learning new skills and gaining valuable experience as an electrician with Countryside over the past six months. This has given me the confidence to work on my own independently and once I am qualified I will have a career for life.

“I attend college once a week in St Helens, through the apprentice scheme, and we also have mentors who are on hand to help us with whatever we need to progress. I’m really enjoying the job as its great seeing the developments transform into residential communities and knowing that I’m part of that.”

Launched in October 2016, the scheme will see all 17 apprentices develop new skills in their chosen trade over a two year period.

Philip Whitehead, Regional Regeneration Director for Countryside, commented: “Conor and the other apprentices have really come a long way in such a short space of time. They’ve each demonstrated exemplary behaviour and their level of professionalism is evident - we have very high expectations for them over the next couple of years.

“We’d like to encourage more young people to consider the options available to them within the construction sector. Through this initiative, apprentices will get the opportunity to gain industry experience, whilst developing the skills needed to flourish in their future careers.”

Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Graham Morgan, said: “I’m delighted to see these local young people prospering in their work on Countryside’s housing developments in Knowsley. They are developing invaluable skills and experience which will set them in good stead for their careers.

“Helping young people into employment through apprenticeships is a key priority for Knowsley Council and it is fantastic to have the support of Countryside in providing these outstanding opportunities.”

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