Construction giant Laing O’Rourke is building a new £500m stadium for Everton FC and is now seeking apprentices to join the project. Tony McDonough reports
Laing O’Rourke is looking to hire apprentices to work on the £500m Everton FC stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Last summer, Laing O’Rourke started work on the arena. It is hoped it will be ready in time for the Premier League season 2024-25 season. Major milestones have already been reached on the 150-week build at Liverpool Waters.
Now the contractor is teaming up with Liverpool training agency The Learning Foundry to launch an apprenticeship programme. It will offer people aged 18 and above, living in Liverpool city region, the chance to begin a career in the construction industry.
In turn The Learning Foundry is partnering with construction training specialists The Skills Centre. People wishing to become an apprentice on the project have to complete a short pre-employment training course.
This two-week course will be delivered by industry tutors at a training centre close to Bramley-Moore Dock. Participants will get a chance to see what working in construction is like. They will learn basic labouring skills and health and safety requirements and gain a free CSCS card, needed to work in the industry.
On completion of the course, participants will be assessed. Successful individuals will be employed by Laing O’Rourke as full-time apprentices and join the new Everton stadium project team.
The Learning Foundry will provide access to wider training and employment opportunities for anyone who is unsuccessful and offer application, CV and interview support.
Joanne Abraham, managing director of The Learning Foundry, said: “This project will not only make a big difference to the regeneration of Liverpool’s historic waterfront, but also make a positive impact for local people. They will be able to access training, apprenticeships and careers that will impact for generations to come.”
Scott Bell, early talent manager at Laing O’Rourke, added: “We have been working closely with Everton and The Learning Foundry to create a pre-employment programme. This will provide insight into the construction industry and show local people a direct route into full time employment.
“On all our projects, we seek to create learning and employment opportunities for local people. It is important this project helps the local community thrive by creating social value. At the same time, we need to address the skills shortage our industry is facing.
Click here to find out more about the apprenticeships.