New careers in the works for young people at £400m Leeds training centre

The flagship Kirkstall Forge development has welcomed the first 11 recruits to its ‘Forging Futures’ apprenticeship academy training centre.

The centre has been built in the grounds of the 57-acre site. Working in partnership with EN:Able Futures, the programme takes place over two years and provides students with a wide practical experience of working professionally in the construction sector.

CEG, the developer behind the Kirkstall Forge regeneration scheme has been joined by a variety of property, planning and construction partners with each apprentice undertaking placements with these companies.

Nick Lee, development director at CEG, said: “It has been great to see so many of our supply chain partners and consultants get involved with this apprenticeship scheme.”

John Currie, regional director for Tolent, added: “It’s important that we support and give opportunities to the next generation of construction workers.

“I think it’s fantastic that the students are able to essentially try before they buy, and get to see what it’s like to work for a planner, an architect, a surveyor and contractor before deciding on which route to go down.

“Work is progressing well on site and with the completion of the SIPs panels, the next stage of the façade and mechanical and engineering works can start.”

The two prototype houses will be completed this summer and, once finished, members of CEG’s design team will move into the three and five-bed homes and test out the living experience..

National contractor Tolent has been working across the Leeds and wider Yorkshire area since 1990, delivering a variety of contracts from industrial, leisure and student accommodation.