Apprentices hired to work on Mersey Gateway Project
Merseylink has hired six apprentices to work on the iconic Mersey Gateway Project.
The new recruits have all secured paid apprenticeships with the construction consortium, which is building Halton’s new cable-stayed bridge and the associated 9.2km road network.
Merseylink’s general construction apprentices Ian Ratcliffe, Sean Teeling, Kyle Crane and Matthew Shaw at the project’s Catalyst site
Construction apprentices, Kyle Crane and Ian Ratcliffe from Widnes, Matthew Shaw from Runcorn, and Sean Teeling from Warrington, were appointed after taking part in Merseylink’s pre-employment course for general construction operatives.
Accountancy apprentice, Louise Jones, 17, from Flintshire
Seventeen-year-old Louise Jones from Flintshire has begun an accountancy apprenticeship, and Daniel Jervis from Liverpool has joined on a quantity surveying apprenticeship.
The apprentices will work alongside Merseylink’s expert teams gaining valuable on-the-job training. They will also spend time at college studying for recognised academic qualifications, which are accredited by the relevant industry bodies such as the Construction Industry Training Board and the Association of Accounting Technicians.
Kyle Crane, a general construction apprentice, said:
“I’m really enjoying my time on the project so far. I’ve learnt a lot already about fencing, concreting and reinforced groundwork. I’m really thankful for the opportunity and hope to stay with Merseylink for the foreseeable future.”
Accountancy apprentice, Louise Jones, said:
“I applied for an apprenticeship because I studied accounts and business at college and wanted to get more experience in this area. Also, my dad and brother have worked in construction, so I’m familiar with the industry. I’m enjoying my apprenticeship and looking forward to starting my college course.”
The apprenticeship scheme was set up by Merseylink to provide local people, and those from the surrounding area, with access to work-based training opportunities.
So far 14 apprentices – including the six new starters – have joined the project in the areas of office-based administration, accountancy, IT, construction, traffic management and general trades.
Merseylink expects to recruit around 25 apprentices in total to complement the hundreds of permanent full-time jobs that will be created during the three-and-a-half year construction project.
Richard Walker, Project Director at Merseylink, said:
“Our apprenticeship scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for people to gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need to secure future employment in their preferred area of work. I’m delighted to welcome our new apprentices to the project and wish them every success in their new roles.”
Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Chair of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said:
“It’s great to see more people from Halton and the surrounding area securing work on the Mersey Gateway Project. Providing training and employment opportunities locally is a key ambition of this major construction scheme and apprenticeships are just one way of making this a reality. There will be many more jobs on offer as the project progresses and I’d encourage local people to get in touch with Merseylink to find out more.”
For more information about apprenticeships or employment opportunities email opportunities@merseylink.com.
