TWENTY ambitious construction and trade students from in and around Leicestershire have been welcomed onsite at five high-profile building projects.
Stepnell is delivering several multi-million-pound projects across the county within the commercial, conservation, education and health sectors and has been offering hands-on work experience to college students.
Working in partnership with Leicester Employment Hub and Leicester College, budding, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers and painters have taken part in up to 60 days of work in the last three months.
Riley Sulova, aged 16, is studying electrical installation at Leicester College and gained experience on the Friars Mill site.
He said: “The team were really friendly and got me involved in as many jobs as they could, from cutting into the plasterboard where the plugs would be installed, bending conduit and handling deliveries.
“Stepnell also gave me tips on wiring buildings and how to use kits which help to avoid mistakes. The placement helped me improve my confidence and I’m hoping the experience will help me to get a good apprenticeship in a few years.”
Tom Sewell regional director from Stepnell said: “We have been working closely with Leicester Employment Hub to identify suitable placement opportunities for students looking to build a career in construction and enhance their knowledge. Thanks to our expertise across different sectors, we have been able to offer valuable placements on projects that will have a lasting impact on local people.
“The site teams have really enjoyed coaching the students and their enthusiasm to learn and ask questions has meant that they have made the most of the time with our employees.
“Investing in the communities we work within and the future generation of the workforce is something we’re really passionate about at Stepnell and we look forward to securing more work experience opportunities for young people in the future.”
The students have been working onsite at St Martins Lodge, Percy Gee Building students’ union, Friars Mill commercial offices, De Montfort Mews student accommodation and Langwith Medical Centre.
Sandra Rieger, senior economic regeneration officer from Leicester Employment Hub said that creating training and employment opportunities in the county was made much easier by working with companies like Stepnell.
“The team at Stepnell have been excellent at providing placement opportunities for young people and are really leading the way in Leicester. The site teams are really accommodating and clearly want to make a difference to help young people learn more about the industry and develop their skills.”
To find out more about Stepnell visit: stepnell.co.uk. County-wide construction apprentice opportunities visit https://www.leicesteremploymenthub.co.uk/