Two GRK Civil apprentices helped lay the foundations for a great career by playing a key role in the first phase of Sheffield’s new retail quarter.

Subcontracting for BAM Construction, GRK Civils have appointed 2 apprentices, along with other staff, to work on the first phase of the landmark city centre development, which will see HSBC take up residency in early 2019.

The apprentices are training in a number of disciplines including engineering, bricklaying and site management as part of a programme developed by BAM alongside Sheffield City Council and local schools, colleges and universities across Yorkshire.

Alfie Porter, a GRK Civils’ apprentice working within the ground-working discipline said “It’s been great to develop my skills on a real life project with so many experienced professionals around me. It gives me great confidence working on site and having the opportunity to learn on the job.”

Five of the 11 apprentices were recruited specifically for the construction of the SRQ Phase development, gaining skills in brickwork, ground working, engineering, site management and steel erection.

Jamie Kilmartin, Managing Director of GRK Civils commented further and said “To give apprentices the opportunity to work with some of the country’s largest construction firms is a fantastic opportunity for these young people. Not only does it give them an insight into working on multi-million pound projects, it allows them to develop their skills in a real life environment.”

Since April 2017, when BAM started on site, 10 people have progressed into employment on the SRQ Phase 1 construction site. All these people were previously unemployed.

Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Equipping young people with the skills they need is an absolute passion of mine. It is tremendous news that so many of our young people are gaining these lifelong skills on what will be one of Sheffield’s most exciting developments.

Eleven apprentices have worked on the SRQ Phase 1 site so far including Level 2, 3 and 4 apprentices. BAM has taken a proactive approach to working with young people on the build. They have staged seven site visits on the SRQ Phase 1 site since April 2017. Site visits have been attended by students who are in different stages of their academic lives. This includes Job Centre customers undertaking construction training, university students, A-Level students and GCSE students.

In August 2017, BAM organised a Careers Open Day site visit for members of the public to attend. This gave young people and their parents more information on what a career in construction could include. It provided an opportunity for young people to sit with their chosen construction professional to talk about careers in construction.

BAM have hosted four school / college workshops regarding a career in construction in relation to SRQ Phase 1 since April 2017.

Carol Shaw, Education and Community Co-ordinator at BAM Construction said: “We are delighted to be working with a range of partners in the City to ensure that everyone gets maximum benefit from this major development whether this be employment, training or upskilling. BAM are committed to making a difference to the lives of young people to help them access local opportunities which are sustainable and bring with them an opportunity to learn new skills as well as earn a living. We actively encourage our sub-contractors to look at their own business and how it could benefit from the new ideas and ways of working an apprentice brings.”

For more information on GRV Civils apprenrtice schemes please click here