Lovell and Wolves at Work deliver for young apprentices

A new Wolverhampton housing development has led to construction apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

Lovell has recently completed the build of 151 two, three and four-bedroom homes at Saints Quarter, off Steelhouse Lane.

During construction, with support from the Wolves at Work employment programme and other partners, it has recruited and supported seven apprentices from Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Bromwich and Tipton, Halesowen and Stourbridge, to achieve or make progress towards a Level 2 in Carpentry or Bricklaying.

The partnership has also enabled Lovell to support 23 supply chain apprentices to complete or work towards qualifications on site; created nine new jobs and three Management Trainees; and achieved a target of 36% of workers/contractors living within ten miles of the site.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Mark Taylor, said: “Construction projects are springing up across the city, creating jobs and skills opportunities.

“It is particularly satisfying to see these apprentices making their first career steps as we look to tackle the issue of youth unemployment.

“There is a lot of work to do in this area and the Wolves at Work 18-24 initiative is there to provide the support needed.”

Apprentice Conor Watts, aged 20, joined Lovell with a Level 1 in Carpentry and is now progressing to a Level 3. He said: “The training has been enjoyable and has kept me focused on my career aspirations.”

Fellow apprentice Jack Sadler, aged 19, joined Lovell with Functional Skills Maths and English level 2 and has completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in Carpentry. He said: “I enjoyed my time on site and I am learning so much. My aspiration is to gain a full-time position with Lovell.”

Lovell also contributed over 100 hours and almost £12,000 in donations to supporting community causes during the course of the development.

Samuel Clarke, Lovell Regional Operations Manager, said: “Working to deliver the homes with Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and whg, has been a great pleasure and we are especially pleased that the project has remained successful given the challenges and constraints placed upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We were fortunate enough to be in the position to take on apprentices during the full duration of the development as part of the Wolves at Work initiative. We pride ourselves in the continued growth of training young people and will continue to mentor and develop individuals throughout their time in the company.”

Wolves at Work is a partnership between City of Wolverhampton Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that has already helped more than 6,800 people into work.

Anyone interested in local jobs or employers needing recruitment support in the City of Wolverhampton can register at www.wolvesworkbox.com.