A group of young people have spent the summer learning practical construction skills and exploring possible career routes through a hands-on programme as part of the UK's largest town centre regeneration.
Led by the One Stockport Construction Hub, the eight-week programme has supported students who were at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) by giving them a structured way to build skills over the summer break.
Based at B4Box’s Sheffield Street Training Centre, students have been able to try a range of trades including painting and decorating, plastering, wall tiling, woodwork and joinery. They have also worked towards the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Health and Safety qualification, which is needed to apply for a CSCS Site Safety Card and work safely on construction sites.
The programme - delivered in partnership with Stockport Council, Stockport Virtual School, Highfields College and B4Box, and funded via contractor contributions - is designed to help bridge the gap between school and a young person’s next step, whether that is college, training, an apprenticeship or another pathway. By providing practical learning, it aims to keep young people engaged and help them make informed choices about their future.
Jamie Hough, B4Box trainer, said the programme gives students the chance to test out different trades before deciding what they might want to do next. “Some of them have an idea about the trade they want to get into," he explained.
“It gives them a broader target to aim for. It’s a little bit of purpose - eight weeks is a long time to be doing nothing. Coming here, picking up bits of knowledge and skills, can help set them on the right path.”
For 15-year-old Lexi Lindsey, who is care-experienced and plans to study bricklaying at college, the programme has been a chance to build confidence while doing something practical. “If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be doing nothing really, just sleeping, gaming,” she said. “It’s good to be together doing this and it’s given me confidence.”
Ollie Clees, 16, was recommended for the programme and said he has enjoyed the hands-on approach. “I’ve learnt a lot of good skills and really like the practical work and that you get treated like an adult. It’s given me confidence learning things - I wouldn’t have known half of this stuff if I hadn’t come. After this, I’ll definitely look for other opportunities like this.”
Harley Stone, 16, who has a college placement in plastering, said the programme has helped him feel more settled and focused. “It’s been something to spend half my day on and kept me out of a bit of trouble," he said.
“All I can say is that I think I’m in my zone of work. It’s nice to be here and get to do these things that not many people can do.”
Jamie, who started out as an apprentice himself, added: " We get a lot of young people turn up on the first day with their headphones in, the hood up, zip up over their face, closed off to the world around them and they sit there quietly.
"As we start getting them involved, using their hands, phones have got to be away in their pocket. They start talking a bit more, at break time start talking to their peers, they start coming out their shell as they gain confidence interacting with people of their own age group.
"Last summer we had six students and one third has gone into a trade career."
The summer programme follows an earlier traineeship by the One Stockport Construction Hub in 2025, which supported young people at risk of becoming NEET into construction training and employment routes.
That traineeship, funded through UKSPF NEET funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority, involved 14 young people across two cohorts, including care experienced learners and learners with Education, Health and Care Plans.
Eight learners completed the full programme, with seven achieving the CSCS Health and Safety qualification. Three gained employments of which two were offered supported apprenticeships - one with B4Box and another with Rowlinsons who are delivering the St Thomas’s development as part of the town centre regeneration. All eight who completed the course went on to have positive employment or education outcomes including college or further training.
Those cohorts helped shape this year's summer programme, showing how practical training, support and careers guidance can work together to help young people take their next steps.
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Stockport Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said:
Programmes like this make a real difference because they give young people the chance to try something practical, build confidence and see where their skills could take them.
For some students, that hands-on experience can be the moment they realise a career in construction is possible. It is also an important part of making sure local young people can benefit from the opportunities being created through Stockport’s regeneration.
With major schemes taking shape across the town centre and construction jobs being created each year, we want people from all backgrounds to feel they can be part of Stockport’s future. This programme is a great example of partners working together to help make that happen.