Mace helps boost local employment for Colchester
20/01/2010
In addition to helping deliver a world-class visual arts facility for Colchester, Mace is helping to boost employment for the city’s local community. As work commences on the project, Mace has offered two local unemployed people the chance to gain valuable work experience as part of Essex County Council’s pre-apprenticeship programme which has so far seen 21 vulnerable people gain invaluable work skills and training.
Mace has worked closely with the council to help boost employability in the area with great results. Simon Hall, Mace project manager explains: "Mace has a long history of social inclusion programmes on its projects and we are delighted to be able to offer the same opportunities to the Colchester community. We believe in demonstrating the variety of exciting career opportunities that the construction industry offers. Our experienced construction staff at the VAF site will ensure that our two trainees have a fulfilling and invaluable learning experience with us."
It is hoped that the two young apprentices will gain a wealth of practical experience working closely with teams on the VAF construction site and that if the scheme is successful, more young people will be given their chance to work on the project. Community engagement is set to continue on the project long after the construction phase with arts organisation firstsite offering a range of community workshops and learning facilities as well as the opportunities for many public and private events to take place once the building is open complete with restaurant and 200- seat auditorium.
Ferris Adams, 17 of Crimea Walk, Colchester, said: "It's great that I've been given the opportunity to work on a project as big as this. One day I want to work in this industry and I'm grateful to have the chance to experience working on a live construction site."
County Councillor Jeremy Lucas, Cabinet Member for Heritage, Culture and the Arts said: "This is a building for the community, and it is pleasing to see local residents benefitting from it, even before it has opened.
To read about Mace’s appointment to get Colchester’s Visual Arts Facility back on track click here
