The development comprises of two-, three- and four-bedrooms homes and one- and two-bedroom bungalows including 74 council homes – 20 homes for social rent and a further 54 homes constructed for affordable rent – and 31 for affordable rent with Riverside. Carefully designed by Lovell, and working alongside the community and stakeholders, we achieved planning in 2019.
The project is Liverpool City Council’s first major housing scheme in 30 years and as a result, apprenticeships formed a huge part of the development, helping to leave a lasting legacy in the community.
Lovell apprentices gain so much more than an NVQ – it's a chance for our teams to teach new skills on the job, as well as inspiring the next generation of construction workers. The quality of our team is what sets the business apart from the rest and this extends to our apprentices and the level of training offered. We aim to provide the best support to equip apprentices for great career in the building industry and with Lovell.
About the apprenticeships
The landmark development enabled a cohort of local apprentices to play a role in a unique regeneration project for the city, with Lovell supporting a wide range of opportunities for local employment and educational pathways.
The Lovell team in the North West collaborated with Liverpool in Work – the recruitment arm of Liverpool City Council – to reach out to a local college about potential opportunities for the Denford Road site.
Through Lynne Debbazi, recruitment advisor at Liverpool in Work, Lovell was able to engage with Liverpool City College. From there, the team worked to create a bespoke pre-employment training programme giving work experience placements to six local candidates on the Denford Road site. The collaboration led to the employment of two apprentices – Jack Cross and Marcin Galon.
The college provided around four weeks pre-employment training to the candidates as well as CSCS cards and health and safety training prior to starting work experience placements on site. Candidates also spent two weeks on site for a trial with full PPE and guidance from Lovell teams.
Lynne Debbazi, recruitment advisor at Liverpool in Work, said:
“Liverpool in Work is here to support long-term unemployed people into work by offering 360degree wraparound care. In my role, I work with the construction sector to help match local people with job opportunities, facilitating training that will enhance employment.
“Jack and Marcin applied for the apprenticeship positions with Lovell along with five other candidates. They used the council’s ‘Routeway into Construction’ programme, attained their CSCS card and were interviewed by Lovell. Jack and Marcin embraced this opportunity and have excelled, and I am really proud of what they have accomplished and grateful for the support Lovell has provided to allow them to progress in their chosen trade.”
Paul Woby, social value manager at Lovell, said:
"Following successful work trials and interviews, both Jack and Marcin were chosen for a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship with Lovell spending time onsite. Both began their journey with Lovell in November 2021, and were issued with a starter kit each, and then placed with our subcontracted joinery company at Denford Road, where they were able to hone their craft whilst on site.
“Both Jack and Marcin were granted time away from their college carpentry and joinery courses to work with Lovell and were able to make great progress both in the classroom and on site with their qualifications. It’s been hugely rewarding to see this collaboration create exciting career pathways for people in the area, particularly as we are always looking to engage with the community and make a positive impact where possible. Jack and Marcin’s positions with Lovell are safeguarded and they will be moving onto another Lovell project, which is a really exciting next step for them while also boosting Lovell’s next generation of skills.”
Jack Cross, apprentice joiner and carpenter, said:
“I chose an apprenticeship route as I believe it is the best way to learn getting hands-on experience, on real sites. Not only has this accelerated my skills in joinery and carpentry, but I have also learnt a lot about other trades and construction in general. I have also gained unvaluable insight into working as a team - I wouldn’t have got this from classroom-based learning alone.
“I would recommend this route to anyone with an interest in gaining a trade - it gives you experience, skills, discipline, and the ambition you need to succeed. It has given me a clear pathway to help progress my career and gain a good qualification. I feel with the support I’ve been provided, and the knowledge and skills gained I can succeed in this industry.”
Marcin Galon, apprentice joiner and carpenter, said:
“I chose the apprenticeship route because it allowed me to gain a high-level qualification by doing something I love with both theory and practical training.
“One of the most important aspects is also that I can earn a living while training – taking other routes could mean that I’d put myself into debt, but this way I can achieve my goals debt-free. As well as skills and experience, I have been able to learn so much from the other members of the team. Their help and willingness to share their knowledge is priceless – you couldn’t get that from sitting in a classroom.
“My ultimate goal is to have a long-lasting career in the construction industry. This programme is extremely helpful for me to be able to work in the industry and earn a good living whilst I’m doing so.”
