New Square generates apprentice jobs in West Bromwich
A NEW construction project in West Bromwich is helping to generate apprentice jobs. The New Square scheme is a joint project between Sandwell Borough Council, retailer Tesco and construction contractor VINCI Construction UK.
The partnership has so far seen the creation of 14 apprenticeship places during the construction process, enabling students to can gain on- the-job experience.
The programme, which is part of Sandwell Council’s Think Local initiative, includes a range of placements for apprentice bricklayers, ground workers, an assistant engineer and an office administrator. Electrical and plumbing placements are also being planned in during the course of the project.
The placements last a minimum of 12 weeks and offer participants the chance to secure full time employment.
Richard Barrell, Project Manager for Tesco, said: “We have worked closely with Sandwell to make the project a success in the total regeneration of the town and this includes looking where we can benefit job opportunities for local people before and after the scheme opens.”
New Square will create 2,000 new full and part time jobs when it opens next year. In the meantime, VINCI Construction UK said it believed the apprentices would gain valuable skills while on their placements.
Sean Delaney, Senior Project Manager, VINCI Construction UK, Building North, added: “At the end of the placements, we hope the apprenticeships will have learnt more than just their skills, but have a good understanding of many facets of developing a major scheme of this kind. They will also know they have played part in creating a fantastic new retail and leisure part of the town that will bring prosperity to the town for generations to come.”
Sandwell’s cabinet member for jobs and economy, Cllr Derek Rowley said: “The whole New Square scheme is already providing an enormous boost to West Bromwich and we are all now seeing the development take shape. It looks fantastic and I am proud and pleased of the close relationship Sandwell Council has forged with Tesco to look at every opportunity to make the investment work for our economy.”
Phoenix Brickwork Ltd and Harkin Construction Ltd have also worked in partnership with VINCI and Think Local in support of the scheme.
Pictured are: Sean Delaney, Senior Project Manager, VINCI Construction; Cllr Derek Rowley; Ed Cox, Youth Employment/Apprenticeship Adviser, Sandwell Council along with apprentices – Luke Candelent, Aron Furey, Chris Freeman, Daniel Fowkes, Daniel Rickerby, Sherelle Priest, Clive Brecknell and Elliot Shelton.
