Member Article

Sparking success in Sheffield

A bright spark from Frecheville, Sheffield has landed himself an apprenticeship after shining during a work experience placement.

In the spotlight, Danny Walsh, 20, has been recruited by Nottinghamshire based Steve Wade Electrical as an electrical apprentice.

The company, which has been operating for 20 years, was recently awarded contractor of the quarter by Sheffield Housing Company (SHC) for its commitment to creating training and job opportunities.

Steve Wade Electrical has been responsible for installing the electrics in SHC’s new build homes, through its contracts with ENGIE. Working across four sites around the city, the family based business has created numerous training opportunities, from which Danny was recruited.

Danny said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement with Steve Wade Electrical, so I was over the moon when they offered me an apprenticeship role. Learning on the job really appealed to me as I am practically minded.”

SHC – a partnership between Sheffield City Council, Keepmoat Homes and Great Places Housing – is working hard to tackle the construction skills shortage, through a number of placement based initiatives which are opening the doors for individuals across the city, offering a flavour of the variety of jobs available in the sector.

John Clephan, Project Director for SHC, said: “It is rewarding to be working with companies like Steve Wade Electrical, which share the same values as SHC and are passionate about encouraging people to consider a career in the industry. It’s a worthy winner of the contractor of the quarter award.”

Councillor Bob Johnson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability at Sheffield City Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see our new homes initiative creating opportunities for people like Danny to gain the skills they need to start building a career. We are committed to providing quality homes for everyone in our city and with a growing population the building of new houses is essential. I’d like to congratulate both Danny and Steve Wade Electrical on their success.”

Founded in 2011, SHC has created 75 apprenticeships, over 800 jobs and spent more than £80m with construction sector businesses in the region. Its goal is to improve the quality and choice of housing in Sheffield, while creating jobs, encouraging investment and supporting the communities in which it works.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .