Story Highlight
– Six G&H apprentices designed MEP services for new centre.
– Facility aids 16-19-year-olds at risk of NEET status.
– Apprentices gained practical skills and hands-on experience.
– Centre offers training in electrical and plumbing skills.
– Opens in September with City & Guilds certifications available.
Full Story
A new post-16 centre in Wortley is set to provide essential support for young individuals aged 16 to 19 who have disengaged from the educational system and are at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). The facility’s mechanical, electrical, and public health services have been expertly designed and installed by a team of six apprentices from G&H, a Leeds-based engineering firm.
The innovative centre aims to offer a practical training environment that will equip these young people with valuable construction skills to help them reintegrate into formal education or secure employment. Slated to open its doors in September, the centre features hands-on training in essential areas such as electrical work and plumbing, as well as health and safety principles crucial for the construction industry.
Among the apprentices who contributed to the project is Tom Noble, a first-year projects apprentice at G&H. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “Being involved in this project has been incredible.” Noble, who commenced his apprenticeship in July, noted that the early stages typically consist of observation and learning. However, his participation in this project allowed him to take on significant responsibilities.
He further elaborated on his role, saying, “To have the opportunity to step up and be hands-on undertaking and preparing the risk assessments and method statement, reviewing health and safety requirements and setting up the site safety board, ordering materials and coordinating the work, has been a fantastic experience.” Noble acknowledged that while he made some missteps along the way, the mentorship he received enabled him to learn from those experiences effectively.
In addition to Noble, the project also engaged G&H’s design apprentice Zac Russell, along with electrical apprentices Dan Brook and Ellis Parker, and mechanical apprentices Jake Sherburn and Cory Taylor. These young talents collaborated closely as they worked on a project aimed at Building Futures Together (BFT), a vocational training provider dedicated to supporting local youth.
The facility is designed to help students carry out practical tasks fundamental to the industry. Learners will engage in activities such as installing lighting circuits, removing and refitting radiators, and manipulating copper piping by bending, joining, and connecting. All participants will have the opportunity to work towards earning the City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction and/or the Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills.
Paul Churchill, the development manager at G&H, remarked on the value of hands-on experience that apprentices gain during their training. “An integral part of our apprenticeships is gaining hands-on experience on live sites, with apprentices working closely with a qualified and experienced mentor,” he stated. Churchill has been overseeing the team of six apprentices as they undertook the project but noted their ability to take ownership of their responsibilities.
He expressed immense pride in the apprentices’ efforts, stating, “They have drawn on the experience they have gained during their apprenticeships and applied it effectively to deliver a new facility for BFT that will benefit the next generation of construction workers. I’m incredibly proud of them.”
G&H has established itself as a prominent provider of mechanical, electrical, and public health engineering solutions across the United Kingdom since it was founded in 1998. The company’s commitment to fostering talent and skills within the construction industry is evident in its investment in apprenticeship programmes, which prepare young people for future challenges.
By providing the opportunity to work on a live project, G&H is not only helping to enhance the skills of its apprentices but also contributing to the wider community by creating a facility that addresses the needs of young people who may otherwise face significant barriers to entering the job market.
As the new centre prepares to welcome students, the integration of training in practical skills with health and safety practices ensures that participants will be well-equipped to pursue careers in construction. The hands-on approach emphasized by G&H, alongside the guidance from experienced mentors, allows apprentices to build confidence and competence in a supportive environment.
This collaboration between G&H and BFT reflects a broader initiative within the region to tackle youth unemployment and equip young individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving job landscape. By embracing the challenges faced by disengaged youths and providing tailored support, the centre aims to foster a new generation of skilled workers prepared for the demands of the construction industry.
As enthusiasm builds for the opening of the new centre in September, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on its first cohort of students. However, with a focus on practical training and mentorship, the outlook appears promising for these young individuals stepping onto the path of professional opportunity. The efforts of G&H’s apprentices will undoubtedly resonate within the community for years to come, potentially leading to significant positive change in the lives of those participating in the programme.
Our Thoughts
The article highlights a successful apprenticeship project, but there are several key safety lessons and potential improvements to consider. Firstly, while hands-on experience is invaluable, ensuring that apprentices work under constant supervision from qualified personnel is crucial to minimize risks. Enhanced mentoring protocols could ensure that mentors provide more thorough oversight during high-risk tasks.
Moreover, while apprentices are involved in preparing risk assessments and method statements, it is essential that these documents are rigorously reviewed by experienced safety professionals to guarantee compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Additionally, providing mandatory training on specific hazards related to the tasks they will perform could further mitigate risks.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, implementing a culture of safety where apprentices are encouraged to report unsafe conditions without fear and regularly refresh their training on health and safety procedures can be beneficial. Increased emphasis on proper equipment use and regular safety audits of the work environment could also enhance overall safety compliance within the organization.
