On Monday (7th Feb) pupils from Rivington and Blackrod, Westhoughton and Ladybridge High Schools visited a St Helens housing estate that has, during 2010, undergone an intensive regeneration scheme, delivered by Forrest on behalf of Helena Homes.
The retrofit scheme was centred on improving the environmental performance of the 107 BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) houses, with the success of the scheme being recognised after it was awarded a prestigious Green Apple award.
The site visit was organisedto help pupils gather information for the sustainability unit of their CBE (Construction and the Built Environment) Diploma.
They were introduced to the uses and benefits of green technologies, such as insulation and specialist rooftop solar panels.
Other events hosted by Forrest during National Apprenticeship Week include interactive workshops designed to promote careers in construction at Blackburn University Centre and Walton le Dale High School in Preston.
As part of the workshop the GCSE pupils will be given the opportunity to design and create a building project.
During the week, Forrest will also be attending an event designed to introduce them to prospective trainees, being held in Leyland.
The series of events organised for National Apprenticeship Week reflect a wider apprenticeship programme at Forrest which currently has 65 apprentices in a variety of traditional trades.
Andrew Brierley, training and development manager, said: “While other companies have sacrificed training budgets, we have increased our investment in recruiting and developing apprentices from local communities as we feel it is essential for the organic growth of the business.
“We believe that apprentices are the lifeblood of the construction industry and this week’s events are designed to help develop our trainees to ensure we can sustain a highly-skilled and competent workforce.”
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