Our Town Hall apprentices 2020 - 2022
Tayla Smith - Level 4 Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, Lyndons SGB
I started at Lyndon SGB in October 2020. I was brought in specifically for the Our Town Hall project and to manage the social value commitments for my employer. Straight from the get-go my manager saw potential in me, so after some settling in time he gave me the freedom to choose to further my career in an area of my choosing: I decided to try out quantity surveying and started my Level 4 Apprenticeship at Salford City College in September 2021.
My mentor is a senior quantity surveyor for our company and I have also been given training in the admin role for the project, to get a background understanding of day to day processes and project allocation. Thanks to Lyndon SGB I am now a qualified mental health first aider as well.
I am technically a mature student at the age of 28 and have been surprised by how well I've taken to learning again; both inside and outside the classroom. I never thought that I'd be working in the construction industry, but I am enjoying it, especially seeing the sheer scale of the Town Hall Project and the work that is going into it to protect and rejuvenate it for future generations.”
Abdul Tahir - Degree Level Apprentice Project Manager, Mace
In 2019, Abdul won the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Apprentice of the year. Following this and the completion of his level 4 apprenticeship at Mace, Abdul remained on the Our Town Hall project whilst studying a degree level apprenticeship.
Still employed by Mace, in position as a degree-level Assistant Project Manager, Abdul has been coordinating the efforts of the design team in streamlining the social value processes of all project consultants. Further to this Abdul has been collaborating with a number of employers on the project to deliver activity in Manchester schools, including careers fairs and STEM sessions.
“Due to the scope of social value on this project, it provided me with an opportunity to start the practical element of my apprenticeship whilst ensuring I complete my degree on the side.
To start my career on such a prestigious project was not an easy task, but the strong foundation it has built for me is unparalleled. I was also able to create a large network due to the rotation programme I had in my first 2 years. Following onto the level 4 apprenticeship programme helped me decide the career path I wanted to follow, as did the advice from professional colleagues who were always only a call away.
As a result of my engagement on the OTH project, I have secured a permanent job in a project management role, which I do alongside my studies in BSc Quantity Surveying at the University of Salford."
Roxana - Level 2 Apprentice Customer Service, DGP Logistics
“I came to the UK in 2020, having previously worked in hairdressing. I love living in Manchester so having the opportunity to work on Our Town Hall was really exciting.
Even though my background is not in construction, I found that I had transferrable skills that I could use in my apprenticeship. Having worked in customer facing roles previously meant that I was used to that sort of environment.
My employer is very supporting and understanding of the fact that English is not my first language, and they are always patient with me. Developing my language skills on the job has been helpful and has allowed me to progress my studies well.
When I complete my current apprenticeship, I want to progress into a higher level apprenticeship in Construction Management. I love working in the industry and love the fact that my apprenticeship will allow me to progress.”