NEW JOB, NEW BABY – FUTURE’S NOW BRIGHT FOR SALFORD APPRENTICE

Salford’s new scheme to help apprentices made redundant because of the Coronavirus pandemic has scored its first success.

Trainee painter and decorator Jaden Legge has secured a new job just as his girlfriend is due to give birth to their first child. His new employers Smalley are sub-contractors for Keepmoat Homes on a new, affordable housing development in Charlestown.

Salford City Council launched the scheme earlier this month to match anyone who lost their apprenticeship because of the pandemic with new employers. Firms are being offered a £2,000 grant to help the trainees get their qualifications.

Salford City College, which has supported the development of the fund, provides a wide range of apprenticeship programmes across a range of sectors that support the development and upskilling of apprentices across Salford and Greater Manchester.

Jaden, from Eccles, who is just two months away from qualifying as a skilled painter and decorator, said he was “over the moon.”

“I didn’t hesitate to take on the work trial and I knew I had to make a good impression to get the job. I’m now enjoying working on new build projects and looking forward to the birth of my daughter,” he said.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said the fund was designed to help young people like Jaden make the most of Greater Manchester’s construction boom.

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“There are huge opportunities in construction in Salford and Greater Manchester now with vast amounts of regeneration, huge demand for housing, particularly affordable homes and another £54 million worth of shovel-ready projects due to come online in the next few years despite the economic impact of the pandemic,” he said.

“If we can protect young people from the downturn, help them complete their apprenticeships and become qualified then they will be better placed to weather the storm.”

Craig Murphy, Keepmoat Homes Regional Managing Director, added: “Our industry needs keen and enthusiastic young people like Jayden in all the construction trades. One of our trainees is now our contracts managers so the opportunities to progress are also there.” 

 

Allan Milne, Head of Apprenticeships at Salford City College, said:

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“We are delighted the fund will support Jaden to complete his apprenticeship and are extremely grateful to Smalleys for giving him this opportunity, as well as the Build Salford partnership for facilitating it. As Jaden has discovered, apprenticeships are a great way for people to gain and develop the skills and knowledge to establish a successful career.”

Photo shows: Left to right – Dave Smalley, Contracts Manager, John Jordan, Build Salford project, City Mayor Paul Dennett, Mandy Shepherd, Salford City College, Craig Murphy, Keepmoat Homes and Jaden Legge centre front.