Building for the future: Recruitment partnership helps youngsters secure jobs
Award-winning builder and developer Seddon has employed five new trainees as part of a successful recruitment partnership.
The family-run business, which is headquartered in Bolton, has hired three apprentices and two former work experience candidates under the sector-based work academy (SBWA) scheme. The apprentices, aged between 16 and 25, beat 700 applicants to land the coveted roles at one of the North West’s biggest employers in the construction industry. A further two joined Seddon, which scooped the Bolton and Bury Apprenticeship Award last year for its commitment to helping unemployed young people secure work, in administrative positions following successful work experience placements.
Kat Healey, training manager at Seddon, said:
“Seddon’s commitment to training the next generation of construction workers is a strong as ever. “The sector is coming out of a recession and it is our dedication to apprenticeships that has put us ahead of our competitors – allowing us to build our teams and ensure against the skills shortage.”
The SBWA initiative, which is run in conjunction with Seddon, Jobcentre Plus and Salford City College, is part of a drive to deliver on-site training and support to unemployed young people across the UK.
Candidates who successfully complete a two-week training course and work experience placement are guaranteed a job interview.
Suzanne Cross, employer resource manager at Jobcentre Plus, said: “We are extremely proud of the relationship we have developed with Seddon. The company has delivered successful apprenticeship programmes, which have helped many young people to secure work and establish careers in their chosen fields.
“It’s an invaluable step into working life and the company gives apprentices the chance to progress.”
Allan Milne, assistant director of apprenticeships at Salford City College, added: “Salford City College is incredibly proud to support Seddon in a wide range of training initiates and apprenticeship programmes. “The sector-based work academies offer a real chance for individuals to better themselves and develop careers in construction, working for a great organisation like Seddon.”
