7:27pm Wednesday 15th October 2008
By Chris Holland
Affordable housing specialist Lovell, which is working on a major housing improvement programme in Bradford, is giving two local teenagers the chance to build careers in the construction industry.
Mohammed Tafoor, from Manningham, and Shaun McBride, from Lidget Green, have joined the company’s apprenticeship scheme.
Lovell is working on a multi-million pound improvement programme for Incommunities (formerly Bradford Community Housing Trust) to ensure thousands of local homes exceed the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.
Mohammed, 18, and Shaun, 19, were both recruited by Lovell from Accent Community Partnerships, which delivers construction-based training and employment schemes in partnership with industry training body ConstructionSkills, Bradford College and local construction companies to provide long-term employment opportunities for local young people.
In addition to their work on site, the teenagers both attend the Lovell Craft Academy, the company’s national apprentice training centre in Leicestershire on a block release basis.
Both are studying for an NVQ Level 2 qualification in maintenance operations which involves them learning various construction trades such as joinery, bricklaying and plumbing.
They both have construction in their blood. Mohammed’s brother is a qualified joiner and Shaun’s elder brother is a bricklayer. His younger brother also wants to follow him into construction.
Shaun said: “One of the things that appealed most about my apprenticeship was the fact that it would be so varied and I would be learning lots of different skills.”
Mohammed has carried out a variety of work as part of his apprenticeship including fitting shower rails, grouting and tiling, while Shaun has been working on floorings and finishing.
Both are hoping to continue their careers with Lovell once their apprenticeships are complete. Mohammed said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far and working alongside so many experienced people means that I am constantly learning new skills.
“When I have completed my NVQ Level 2 studies, I will choose which trade I would like to focus on in my career and go on to study it at NVQ Level 3.”
Sharon Tyer, Lovell’s regional training advisor, said: “Both Mohammed and Shaun have made excellent starts to their careers and we are delighted with their progress so far. It’s absolutely vital for the future of the construction industry that we continue to bring in youngsters with the right skills. We’d like to see more young people following their lead.”
Jez Lester, Incommunities assistant chief executive, said: “I am delighted Lovell is investing in these local young people as part of its apprenticeship programme. As well as receiving college-based training they will get valuable experience working on our modernisation programme. This structured training is, I know, greatly benefiting our own trade apprentices and their career development.”
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