Six apprentices from Gainsborough are gaining valuable hands-on experience, building new affordable retirement living apartments in the town.
The apprentices who are studying at the Gainsborough Construction Career College are working with the Gelder Group, who are leading the building work on North Marsh Road.
The site based work is crucial for the apprentices as it offers them a unique opportunity to work on industry-set projects with potential future employers. It also complements the college based learning.
Brandon Booth, 17 is enjoying the challenge of working on the project. He said: “I’ve learned a lot in the 2 months I’ve been here, it’s been good to experience working on-site. This apprenticeship has definitely confirmed that working in construction is right for me and I’m hoping to get a permanent job with the Gelder Group after my apprenticeship.”
The development will provide 24 affordable apartments for over-55s wanting to live close to the town centre in Gainsborough.
Site Manager Matt Turner urged more companies to get involved in projects like this to address the growing skills gap. He said: “The apprentices have done really well so far. Taking on apprentices in good news for the construction industry as a whole as there’s a real shortage of skills, but even more importantly for us it’s great to be fostering local talent and having apprentices within walking distance working on-site. More companies should be doing it.”
The apartments, once complete will be owned and managed by Scunthorpe based landlord, Ongo. They received support from Homes England and West Lindsey District Council, with grant funding of more than £1.5million to deliver this project. It is expected to cost around £3 million overall.
The Gelder Group have been working closely with Ongo and West Lindsey District Council to ensure the scheme uses local products, employs local people and is delivered to a standard that everyone can be proud of.
The Gelder Group Chief Executive, Steve Gelder, said: “I’m a huge supporter of apprenticeships, and the Gainsborough Construction Career College of which Gelder is a sponsor. I started my working life as an apprentice, over the years Gelder have employed and trained over 300 apprentices and we’ve never dropped below 10% of staff being employed as apprentices. The lads on the North Marsh Road project are a good example of what can be achieved by employing & training local talent rather than just using sub-contractors which is all too common in our industry.”
Work started on site in November 2018 and is expected to be complete in early 2020.
Di Krochmal, Lead Officer for Strategic Housing at West Lindsey District Council said: “It was great to visit the site and see apprentices working on housing developments in the town where they grew up and are currently studying. They have an amazing opportunity and I am pleased to see local companies working with them to support their training.”
The new 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are aimed at those aged over 55. The self-contained apartments will all be available to rent and include a communal lounge area for residents.
The homes for affordable rent are available to households whose needs cannot be met by the housing market. These properties will be let through the Choice Based Lettings (CBL) scheme called West Lindsey Home Choice. Properties are advertised through this scheme as they are nearing completion.
In order for people to be able to bid for or express an interest in properties, they need to be registered with the council.
To register and see details of properties available visit West Lindsey Home Choice
Details of properties for outright purchase or shared ownership can be found at: