A new scheme which will see thousands of council houses in North West Leicestershire upgraded, is offering opportunities for young trainees in the plumbing and electrical fields.
North West Leicestershire District Council has announced its plans to upgrade the homes in areas including Ashby and Measham. In total, eight trainees have been given the chance to learn their trades on the job.
Kier and Lovell, the housing refurbishment companies that are working on the upgrades, have recruited an apprentice plumber and electrician, as well as a part-time warehouse worker, a trainee quantity surveyor and a trainee administrator.
Kier has also taken on three apprentice electricians and a technical apprentice to help with the upgrades, which will include kitchen, bathroom, boiler and central heating upgrades and the installation of new electrical rewiring and new doors and windows.
The upgrades programme began in autumn 2012 and saw more than 1,700 homes benefit by the end of last year.
North West Leicestershire District Council’s housing portfolio holder, Roger Bayliss, told the Burton Mail: “By working with Lovell and Kier, we’ve been able to create much needed apprenticeships for young people – and strengthen our local economy by using local subcontractors.
“I hope we will see many more committed, passionate young people come through and develop their skills and confidence,” he added.
All of the trainees are local and are working towards industry recognised NVQ or HNC qualifications.