Vital Regeneration is pleased to announce the launch of The Westminster Highways Traineeship Scheme.  The scheme is being run in partnership with the Road Management Group at Westminster Council and will offer six to 10 local young people three-year traineeships at some of the UK’s biggest construction companies, including Balfour Beatty, FM Conway, Murphy Group, Hyder Consulting, Mouchel and WSP UK.

Vital Regeneration is hosting the launch event at The Greenside Community Centre in the heart of the Lisson Green Estate on November 6th, 2008.  People who are interested are encouraged to come down to speak to the companies involved, register their interest and pick up an application form.

Successful candidates will begin work in January 2009 and will have the chance to rotate amongst the different employers over their first year, to get a taste of the huge variety of jobs available in the industry.  They will learn about some of the key disciplines of Highways Maintenance such as repairing roads and pavements, highway inspections and computer-aided design.  They will then specialise in the role they feel most comfortable with and continue their traineeship for a further two years.

Trainees will be fully employed and paid over the three years.  As well as working they will also take blocks of time out to attend college and study towards the industry-standard NVQ qualification.

Dan Williams, Apprenticeships Project Manager, 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.”

Cllr Colin Barrow, Leader of Westminster City Council, said, "This scheme will give young people and local residents in these harsh economic times greater opportunities, as those who want to work in highway maintenance will gain essential and useful qualifications while still being able to earn a regular wage as they train."

For more information visit Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services