You’re hired!

LEARNING the ropes . . . the apprentices, back row, from left, Harrison McClelland, Dean Wood, Chris Dransfield and Andrew Simpson. Middle, from left, are Peter Jackson, managing director of Ace Training, Tony Leach, from Bullock Construction and Joanne Bootes, from the Oldham College. Front, Angie Hough, representing J21

Apprentices get to work on £400m project

FOUR apprentices are developing their construction skills on Oldham’s massive refurbishment scheme for sheltered housing.

All four are being supported by J21, the joint Oldham and Rochdale partnership, and working on the largest Private Finance Initiative scheme of its type in the country, valued at over £400 million, and improving 1,457 sheltered properties.

Bullock Construction is carrying out the improvements which will refurbish hundreds of bungalows and one and two-bedroom flats spread across the borough.

The four trainees — Harrison McClelland from Chadderton, Chris Dransfield from Werneth, Andrew Simpson from Holts and Dean Wood from Limeside — have started their apprenticeships with Bullock Construction, which has offices in Oldham and Failsworth.

J21 was set up by the Oldham and Rochdale Housing Market Renewal scheme, Oldham and Rochdale Councils, Hopwood Hall College and Oldham College.

It helps local businesses and local people secure construction-related contracts and employment on major developments across both towns.

Also involved is Ace Training, a company which ensures that all training needs are met.

J21 project manager Bob Barber said: “We are delighted with Bullock’s involvement and the commitment they have shown to using local companies and employing local people. With the economy as it is, it is encouraging to see national contractors engaging with local suppliers and workers.”