News: Morrison searching for Rotherham apprentices

Leading repairs and maintenance service provider, Morrison has created 30 new placements, which will be awarded this summer, for local people living in the Leeds or Rotherham areas.

The apprentices will all work on Morrison's social housing repairs and refurbishment contracts in Leeds or Rotherham. The available apprenticeships are in Maintenance Operations, as well as a select number of specific trade disciplines.

The group began a £60.5m contract to maintain council properties in 2010. The five and a half year deal, with four possible one-year extensions, is to repair and maintain 13,000 properties in Rotherham North, Rotherham South and Wentworth North.

Applicants for apprenticeships will be invited to register with CITB-ConstructionSkills, which will support and guide them through the application process.

Andy Wilson, account director, Morrison Rotherham, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people in Rotherham to access an apprenticeship with a national company, which will offer them the chance to gain the skills they need for a lifelong career in the sector.

"Morrison is passionate about training and ensuring the repairs and maintenance sector has the right skills and people it needs for the future. This apprenticeship programme will play a significant role in helping us to achieve that aim here in Rotherham."

Russell Buckley, regional delivery manager for CITB-ConstructionSkills in Yorkshire and the Humber, added: "We are working closely with Morrison to help ensure that new talent is being bought into the industry.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for people in Leeds and Rotherham to enter the sector and work within their local communities on a daily basis. Morrison is committed to creating local employment and applications from local people will be awarded special priority."

Morrison opened their Yorkshire Academy in Rotherham last year. They have partnered with Rotherham training provider, Full Circle Learning Ltd.

Ten Rotherham apprentices all aged between 16 and 18, were given two year contracts to work at Morrison in 2011.

Applicants can register their interest by sending their CV to Morrison Academy, C/O Full Circle Learning, Unit K, The Crofts, Quarry Hill, Rotherham, S60 2DN or sally.r@fullcirclelearning.co.uk. Vacancies are open until June, but applicants are urged to apply early.

Morrison website
Full Circle Learning Ltd website

Images: morrisonplc.com