Windows of opportunity for new apprentices

3.50.00pm GMT Tue 9th Feb 2010

John Leech MP helping out the apprentices

Manchester Withington MP John Leech was invited to see the work of some local apprentices installing new windows on Friday, highlighting National Apprenticeship Week.

National Apprenticeship week took place from Monday 1st February - Friday 5th February with a large number of young people taking part.

John visited apprentices that had been working on the Merseybank Estate in Chorlton, as part of a scheme to refurbish Southway Homes in the area. Arriving at the site as the apprentices were installing new windows for tenants, helping to improve the houses, John got stuck in and lent a hand to the apprentices.

John said:

"It was great to see young people in the area getting the chance to learn new skills on the job, giving them a real prospect of long-term employment in the construction industry

This is a fantastic scheme and it was great to meet the young apprentices and see first hand the quality of the work carried out by them."

Speaking to local resident Theresa Stenson with the tenants liaison officer. Theresa had her windows replaced by the apprentice scheme and was telling us how impressed she was with the work carried out by the apprentices.

While there John also had the opportunity to speak to the tenants' liaison officer and a local resident, Theresa Stenson, whose windows had been replaced as part of the apprenticeship scheme.

Theresa commented:

"I was really impressed by the work that was carried out on my home, and it was nice to see Mr Leech supporting people getting a chance to learn new skills and help the community at the same time."

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Notes to Editors:

1. John Leech MP visited the site office on Merseybank Estate on Friday 5th Febraury 2010 as part of National Apprentice Week

2. Photos attached- more are available on request.