Gateway Hampshire On City Regeneration Promoting Apprenticeships

Local company comments on plans for urban improvement in the heart of Southampton
 
Feb. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- As part of Southampton City Council’s Estates Regeneration programme, young people are being given the opportunity to gain skills for future job success, by working on their own neighbourhoods. The flagship £16m council estate rebuild at Hinkler Place in Thornhill has already seen the creation of new homes after the 1960s shopping and housing precinct was demolished for the new development, renamed Prospect Place. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to get some experience,” said a source from Gateway Hampshire, “And to do that in their own neighbourhoods is a real motivating factor.”

Brandon Brown, 19, from Lordshill, was taken on as an apprentice with subcontractor HBS Group Southern in what is his first real chance to forge a career. “I am working mainly on plumbing and renewable energies – stuff like solar panels,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this and I am really enjoying doing this.” Brandon took part in a construction work academy which included three weeks of work experience at the Hinkler site. “This opportunity has really helped me out and boosted my confidence – I am getting stuck in and hopefully will do well,” said Brandon.

So far nine apprentices have been hired to work on estates across the city since the project began in March 2010. The council is working with JobCentrePlus, the developer Barratt Homes and the subcontractors at Prospect Place.  “It just supplies them with opportunities they might not otherwise have,” said our Gateway Hampshire source, “It’s improving not just their lives, but also the community, at the same time.”

A total of 107 new homes and a community centre are planned by the time it is finished. Mike Masters, a 25-year-old electrician from Thornhill, was rewarded when he saw boards going up around the building site and asked if there was any work. He gained a job with sub-contractor Southampton City Electrical. “I have been an electrician for about six years and the work I am doing here is very similar to work I’ve done previously,” said Mike, “This development is brilliant and the opportunity has given me a chance for a better future.”

Our Gateway Hampshire source commented saying, “These are the types of projects we should be supporting a lot more of. With the recession going on, young people need every little bit of help they can get.”

www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9556658.City_regeneration_promotes_apprenticeships/
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