Stockport’s Redrock signs up apprentices

Four young people are reaping the benefits of Stockport’s Redrock development having been chosen to join the Wates Construction team as the first apprentices on the project.

The appointments form part of Wates’ pledge to ensure that training and employment opportunities are created for Stockport’s community, providing local people with an opportunity to gain a wide range of construction skills and experience.

The apprentices joining the project team include Shauna Ball (19) from Brinnington, who will be studying towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 in business administration, and Mike Reape (17), who will work towards a Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Level 4 in commercial management.

In addition, Daniel Burns (30) will be working on-site alongside studying towards a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction management and Kameron Bryson (21) from Edgeley is studying towards an NVQ Level 3 in groundwork.

Commenting on her appointment, Shauna Ball said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the project team as Redrock Stockport starts to take shape. The apprenticeship with Wates will give me the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills, which I know will help open up many doors in my future career ambitions.”

Appointed to facilitate the delivery of the development, the apprentices are the first in a line of candidates to join the contractor as building work advances on site.

Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Education, said: “I’m passionate about ensuring local young people have access to the jobs and training they need to succeed in their careers. It was great to meet the apprentices at Redrock and hear about the work they will be getting involved in and the opportunities this will open up for the future.”

Councillor Kate Butler, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council added: “I’m delighted to welcome the apprentices to the Redrock team, and to hear how local young people are benefitting from the work taking place.

“When it opens next year Stockport’s Redrock, a £45m investment project, will be a fantastic addition to our town centre bringing with it countless benefits for residents and businesses alike. It’s great to hear that these have already begun and are being experienced by the apprentices. I wish each of them every success for the future.” 

Tony Shenton, Business Unit Director, Wates Construction North West, commented: “As a market leading contractor, it is our duty to ensure that our construction pipeline creates opportunities for local people to increase employment and training prospects in the region.

“Our creation of apprenticeship opportunities at the scheme provides young people with a stepping stone into the construction sector – an industry that is both diverse and filled with prospect. Having people learn the trade on a live building site is a valuable way to provide hands-on experience and up skill our future workforce.”

Wates has been tasked with creating 75,000 sq ft. of leisure and retail provision at Stockport’s Redrock, together with a 360-space car park for the development. Commercial occupiers currently include The Light Cinema, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Pizza Express and Zizzi.

The council-led scheme is set to transform Stockport town centre forming part of the ‘Investing in Stockport’ programme, which will bring a total investment of £1bn to the area through growth projects. Estimates predict this influx of investment will generate at least 5,000 employment opportunities for the town.

Wates was appointed to Redrock Stockport via the North West Construction Hub (NWCH), a procurement body designed to save time and money in the delivery of public sector building work in the region.

Pictured: Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick and Councillor Kate Butler with representatives from Wates Construction and the first apprentices to join the Redrock Stockport team