Amey creates jobs with 'Apprenticeship Academy'

Construction and services giant Amey has launched a national 'Apprenticeship Academy' in the West Midlands, creating 100 new jobs for youngsters working mainly in the rail industry.

The scheme was officially launched at a pioneering training centre for Network Rail in Walsall.

The complex features a realistic mock rail environment where employees can practise practical engineering techniques or shadow experienced rail professionals.

The academy will bring together 100 apprentice engineers from across the UK including around 40 from Birmingham, who will complete a structured career and self-development programme.

This will involve studying towards National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), completing work placements, on-the-job training and working to achieve the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

The Amey Apprenticeship Academy was officially launched at Walsall, backed by business figure Lord Digby Jones and the National Apprenticeship Service.

The apprentices, who will be based out of Amey's major base at Colmore Plaza in Birmingham, will be working on some of the country's key infrastructure schemes including:

• CEFA, a national, £200 million scheme to examine every single bridge, tunnel and signal box belonging to Network Rail.

• The £2.7 billion Birmingham Highways PFI - the UK's largest contract to manager and maintain local roads.

Amey is also the UK's largest rail track renewals specialist.

Richard Leedham, aged 22, from Norton Canes, has recently joined the Amey Apprenticeship Academy after being made redundant from a previous employer.

He said: "I am really excited to have been offered a job with Amey. It is quite tough at the moment as there are lots of people applying for the same jobs.

"The Apprenticeship Academy not only allows me to get a qualification while I work, but I can also complete the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award with other people on the scheme which is great for my CV."

Amey chief executive Mel Ewell said: "The programme is designed specifically to help young people negotiate an extremely tough jobs market and learn practical skills that will give them real, long term career prospects.

"It is fitting that we launched Amey Apprenticeship Academy in the West Midlands, which despite having one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the UK, also has a pool of incredibly talented young people."

Lord Digby Jones added: "This commitment to investing in training and personal development of young people should serve as a model, demonstrating how all UK businesses can play a part in developing the skilled professionals of tomorrow."