As part of its ongoing commitment to driving new talent into the construction industry through apprenticeships, Higgins Partnerships launched its support for National Apprenticeship Week at an apprentice and job fair in Hackney.
Higgins will be creating over 100 new homes across two developments in the borough, at Wimbourne Street and Buckland Street, with 44 council social rent homes which will be prioritised for council tenants living near the new developments whose current homes don’t meet their needs and 25 shared ownership homes prioritised for people living and working in Hackney.
With work underway the fair gave local residents the opportunity to explore apprenticeship and training opportunities that are available to allow them to embark on a career in the industry.
Amy Ross, Director of ESG at Higgins Partnerships commented: “We are thrilled to once again be supporting National Apprenticeship Week through a number of events that are taking place across our region this week. This event is the perfect way to start our campaign and promote the opportunities available to those in the local community.
“As a company we are proud of our achievements with apprentices, having recently been awarded Highly Commended at the National Finals for The National Apprenticeship Awards for Recruitment Excellence (Large Employer) and also winning Best Apprenticeship Programme from the Black Professionals in Construction for the second year running.
“Throughout this week we continue to raise the profile of the wealth of careers and apprenticeships available, from Level 2 through to Level 7, on our developments and in our head office. I would like to thank Hackney Council for working in partnership with us to host this fantastic opening event and to all those who took the time to visit us.”
Wimbourne Street will provide 59 mixed tenure apartments within two linear buildings, along with a new café/commercial space, a new playground, relocation of car parking and new landscaped areas. Situated on the corner of Wimbourne Street and New North Road, the development will enjoy views over Shoreditch Park to the East and a landscaped entrance courtyard will create an attractive buffer to New North Road.
Buckland Street provides 54 mixed tenure apartments within a trio of six storey villa blocks, each interlocked with podiums at ground level. The development will also include the creation of a children’s play area, refurbishment, and relocation of the existing MUGA, commercial spaces and improvements to the public open space for use by the wider community.
Cllr Carole Williams, Hackney Council Cabinet member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities and Hoxton West ward councillor said: “These plans aren’t just about providing much-needed new homes. In Hackney, we’re putting local people first — providing vital training and employment opportunities, creating improved public spaces and working towards a fair recovery from the pandemic.
“I’m proud of our commitment to provide local jobs for local people and I’m looking forward to working with Higgins to equip residents with the jobs and skills they need to kick start their career.”
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2023 is the 16th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, which brings together businesses and apprentices from across the country to shine a light on the positive impact they make to the wider economy. The theme is ‘Skills for Life’ reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future ready skills.
