The new facility will open later this month

A team of young apprentices have aided in the construction of a new post-16 facility, which is set to open in Leeds.

The six apprentices at mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) service provider, G&H, which is based in Pudsey, delivered a complete MEP design and install for Building Future Together’s (BFT) new post-16 facility in Wortley.

BFT will welcome its first cohort to the new centre later this month, providing practical training in electrical and plumbing skills, alongside an introduction to health and safety in construction and site preparation.

The new purpose-built facility will provide an alternative pathway into education, training and employment for at risk young people who have become disengaged from education.

The new facility provide an alternative pathway into education, training and employment for at risk young people. | BFT

placeholder image — The new facility provide an alternative pathway into education, training and employment for at risk young people. | BFT

Tom Noble, first-year projects apprentice at G&H said: “Being involved in this project has been incredible. I only started my apprenticeship in July and the initial weeks and months usually involve a great deal of observing and learning from others and gradually taking on more responsibility.

“To have the opportunity to step up and be hands-on undertaking and preparing the risk assessments and method statement, reviewing health and safety requirements and setting up the site safety board, ordering materials and coordinating the work, has been a fantastic experience.

“I learnt so much throughout the project and my mentors really did let me get on with it. Yes, I made some mistakes, but I had the support around me to learn from them and understand how I could approach things differently next time.”

Founded in 2020, BFT helps young people improve engagement, attendance and progression into further education, apprenticeships and skilled work.

Their existing Pudsey home includes eight bays providing 24 individual training spaces, a project room, and a classroom to support the delivery of entry-level and Level 1 qualifications in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services to young people aged 11-16.

Learners undertake practical tasks including installing lighting circuits and sockets, removing and refitting radiators, and bending, joining and connecting copper pipes.

On completion, they will be able to achieve the City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction and/or Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills.

Paul Churchill, development manager at G&H, said: “An integral part of our apprenticeships is gaining hands-on experience on live sites, with apprentices working closely with a qualified and experienced mentor.

“Although I have been on hand to oversee the six-strong team of apprentices undertake this unique project, they have truly owned it and worked collaboratively to deliver it.

“They have drawn on the experience they have gained during their apprenticeships and applied it effectively to deliver a new facility for BFT that will benefit the next generation of construction workers. I’m incredibly proud of them.”

Established in 1998, G&H designs, delivers and maintains mechanical, electrical and public health engineering solutions for clients across the UK.

Headquartered in Leeds, the company provides end-to-end MEP services from design and installation through to long-term maintenance.

Involved in the project were design apprentice Zac Russell, projects manager apprentice Tom Noble, electrical apprentices Dan Brook and Ellis Parker, and mechanical apprentices Jake Sherburn and Cory Taylor.