Developed by St Helens Chamber in partnership with M&Y Maintenance and Construction, the programme comprised eight weeks basic training at the chamber construction centre

Two Merseyside youngster have become full-time constructions apprentices after successfully completing a new recruitment and skills programme.

Developed by St Helens Chamber in partnership with M&Y Maintenance and Construction, the programme comprised eight weeks basic training at the chamber construction centre followed by six months paid work experience with M&Y.

This helped the trainees obtain a CSCS card, DBS check, and an application for a provisional driving licence and subsidised driving lessons.

Now Emma Ashcroft and Neil Hynes are working towards their Level 2 Diploma in Building Maintenance, Multi-Trade Repair and Refurbishment, and have become key members of the team at M&Y, part of the Regenda Group.

Gill Kelly, managing director of M&Y, said: “We pride ourselves on employing local people and also offering opportunities through apprenticeships.

“By linking with St Helens Chamber, we were able to offer potential apprentices the chance to get an idea of what a full time training scheme would involve, and also make sure they had all the checks and cards they would need.

“Since the end of the initial programme, Neil and Emma have entered full time apprenticeships and are really excelling as part of our voids team.

“Everybody here is really proud of what they are achieving.”

Joanne Abraham, director of training services, at St Helens Chamber, added: “We support our students throughout their employment to make sure that they progress and develop, which in turn will upskill the workforce and make the business more successful.”