10 October 2008 

Westminster Residents get the chance to Take the Highway …

Vital Regeneration has successfully teamed up with a number of the UK's largest employers in the construction industry to launch the Westminster Highways Traineeship Scheme in December 2008.  The scheme will offer on the job training and employment in the Highways Maintenance and Construction industries to 10 local young people and adults across the City of Westminster. The companies involved aim to provide opportunities for people who are facing difficulties finding work, due to lack of qualifications or experience.  The scheme will provide the chance to learn a trade for life.

Employers who have signed up to the scheme include some of the biggest names in the industry such as Balfour Beatty, F.M. Conway, Murphy Group, Hyder Consulting, Mouchel and WSP UK.  Trainees will begin work in January 2009 and will have the chance to rotate amongst these different employers over their first year, to get a taste of the huge variety of jobs available in the highways maintenance industry.  They can then specialise in the role they feel most comfortable with and continue their traineeship for a further 2 years.  There is a high probability of permanent employment on completion of the traineeship.

An exciting launch and recruitment event for the scheme will be taking place from 12.00pm - 6.30pm on Thursday 6th November at The Greenside Community Centre in the heart of Lisson Green Estate.  Vital Regeneration will be hosting the event along with the 6 companies involved.  Other partners attending the event include Westminster City Council, Construction Youth Trust and Construction Skills.  Potential candidates are invited to come and register their interest and find out more about the scheme and the industry.

Angela McConville, Vital Regeneration’s Chief Executive, commented 'this scheme is one of the most exciting Vital Regeneration has been involved with.  Our mission is to provide opportunities and reduce disadvantage, and it is through initiatives like this we can promote real improved economic wellbeing of local people and their families.'  Barry Warner, Business Development Manager at Balfour Beatty, said, 'we aim to give opportunities to those who are struggling, to gain employment. As employers we feel a responsibility to help our communities. We hope the scheme will be a success and that other employers can follow suit.'

For more information, please contact:

Daniel Williams, Learning & Employment Advisor

Vital Regeneration, Office 5, The Beethoven Centre

020 8964 3256; dcwilliams@cwh.org.uk