Developer re-commits to Skill Mill at £400m Kirkstall Forge scheme

CEG has announced it will fund Skill Mill, a social enterprise which provides work and training opportunities for ex- young offenders, at the £400m Kirkstall Forge scheme for a second year.

Participants in the programme’s first year benefited from on-site work experience opportunities gaining skills in site management and maintenance works, ecological enhancements and landscaping, painting, clearing waterways, managing vegetation, to help prepare them for further long term employment.

James Barton, Skill Mill co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted that CEG has confirmed that it will continue to support the Skill Mill programme. Over the course of this year our teams have assisted in the flood clearance works in the Aire Valley, improved footpath access through Bramley Fall Woods using recycled materials from the Kirkstall Forge site, helped to clear vegetation around the listed Forge buildings and created habitats for local wildlife.

“Gaining valuable work experience on a prestigious development like Kirkstall Forge has helped the teams to acquire new skills and engage in education, training and real work experience which is crucial as they move on to find new employment opportunities.

The first cohort who completed the scheme in June all went on to gain work either through an apprenticeship or a positive referral which secured them an offer of future employment.

Jon Kenny, development director at CEG, added: “The Kirkstall Forge development will evolve over the next decade and can, therefore, play an important role in helping to provide skills and training to nurture the future of young people in Leeds.

“The team looks forward to working with Skill Mill, providing valuable work experience both on site, in addition to working in the coming months on the environmental improvement projects in Kirkstall, Bramley and Holbeck.”

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