Construction firms including Caddick Construction, John Sisk and Sons, and Simpson of York have given city Year 11 students a taste of apprentice life in their industry.
York teenagers have also been working with construction workers employed by community interest company Volunteer It Yourself, to breathe new life into grassroots music venues.
In November last year, a team made up of local tradespeople and students installed a new ramp at the Fulford Arms, making the venue more accessible for gig-goers with mobility issues, as well as building a sound booth to provide a safer experience for audiences and music tech teams.
This month has seen a second cohort of students team up with VIY to renovate the Vaults, on Nunnery Lane, gaining City and Guilds qualifications in carpentry, painting and decorating.
These projects have been part-funded by City of York Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Pete Kilbane, the council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Transport, including skills, said: “We’re delighted that partners from across the construction industry have offered these opportunities to the next generation, and I’d like to extend my thanks to all involved for taking the time to give our young people the chance to experience the world of construction first-hand.
“There really is no substitute for on-site experience and face-to-face mentorship; these schemes are helping the construction workers of tomorrow learn skills that go far beyond the classroom, inspiring them to pursue rewarding careers that will contribute to building our local economy for the future.
“With skills like these being ever more in-demand in the workforce, I’m confident that schemes like these will stand our young people in good stead as they embark on exciting and innovative career paths.”
