There are now 66 apprentices helping to build Everton FC’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on Liverpool waterfront. Tony McDonough reports
Main contractor Laing O’Rourke says there are currently 66 apprentices working on the construction of Everton’s new stadium on Liverpool waterfront.
Construction of the 52,888-capacity arena began in summer 2021 at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool Waters. Everton aims to leave Goodison Park and kick off the 2024-25 football season in its new home.
From the outset of the project the club pledged it would offer jobs and training to as many local people as possible. As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close Laing O’Rourke says there are 66 apprentices starting their careers on the site.
Trade and technical apprentices work in areas such as formwork, steel fixing and carpentry.
And trainees on Laing O’Rourke’s Early Talent Professional Apprenticeship Programme are studying disciplines including construction management, engineering and quantity surveying.
It is expected the number of apprentices working on the site will grow as more supply chain partners are introduced in the coming months. Many of the contractors on site also work with apprentices.
One example is Dylan, who as part of a three-year course with Summit Scaffolding started with smaller duties such as oiling fittings and organising materials.
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His schedule involves visiting a scaffolding training centre in addition to his on-site training at Everton Stadium, where he has been able to undertake tasks from simple edge protection to complex heavy duty design scaffolds.
Cameron, 22, explained why he chose to start a level two apprenticeship in formwork and how he is finding it. He said: “I have been in an array of jobs from landscaping and construction to insurance and I always felt like I had more to give.
“What better way to do that than to apply the knowledge I already had to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build a football stadium almost on my doorstep.
“Working for Laing O’Rourke has been nothing short of a dream come true. Staff and contractors from top to bottom have made me feel so welcome and have helped me develop in many ways.”