James, 19, from Turner Rise, is part of the Lovell team working on a £19.5 million housing regeneration programme which the company is undertaking for Colne Housing Society at Oakapple Close, Colchester. The project involves the extensive modernisation of 73, two-, three- and four-bedroom former Ministry of Defence Homes so they can be offered to local families for affordable rent through Colchester Borough Council’s choice-based lettings scheme.
With good apprenticeships hard to come by, James is delighted to be gaining the on-site experience he needs to complete his NVQ Level 2 carpentry qualification, having already completed the theoretical side of his course at Colchester Institute. “Working on site with Lovell is enabling me to build up the portfolio of practical experience that will enable me to gain my NVQ qualification,” says James. “Getting this opportunity has been fantastic. It was hard to find an apprenticeship when I was coming to the end of my course; I had been ringing up local companies and looking online but there wasn’t anything around so it was great when I had the chance to join Lovell. I’ve had excellent support from the company and from the subcontractors on site.”
Steve Heywood, regional director for Iceni Homes representing Colne Housing Society, comments: “This is an example of how Registered Providers can facilitate extra value and reinvest in local communities. In a period where unemployment for young people is high, it is particularly rewarding to be the catalyst behind offering James a career path in his chosen industry. Lovell made our objective of providing local employment for apprentices very easy through its apprentice programme underpinning our common objective of delivering for local communities.”
Lovell regional training advisor Shirley Palmer, who supervises James’ training, adds: “James has impressed us with his skills and enthusiasm and we’re delighted to have been able to provide this training opportunity for him through the regeneration programme. Delivering jobs and training for local people is a key part of our approach to regeneration.”
During his time on the Oakapple Close scheme, James has gained a wide range of construction experience, from completing work at first and second fix stages to installing stud walls and roofing.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
