THREE apprentices have been given the chance to get on the first rung of the employment ladder after starting work on a £1.7 million Twin Valley Homes development in Bastwell.

Nathan Selby, an apprentice bricklayer and Luke Kenyon, apprentice joiner have been placed with contractors Bardsley Construction through the Constructing the Future Lancashire Shared Apprenticeship scheme.

Kieron Tierney, 28, an apprentice groundworker, from Clitheroe, has already secured permanent employment with Mayo Civil Engineering, Bardsley’s groundwork sub-contractor, after completing a work placement.

Kieron is in his second year and is working towards NVQ Level 2 in Groundworks, but has already been offered a full-time post.

The scheme on Gretna Road and Pearl Street consists of six bungalows and 14 properties and should be finished in summer.

Twin Valley managing director Ian Clark said: “We’re continuously looking to develop, whether it’s new homes, new careers or new ways of working. This new development will provide much-needed new affordable housing as well aswork opportunities for three young men.

“We pride ourselves on our apprenticeship scheme, and we have had many successes over the year, and we hope this trio can follow in their footsteps.”

Paul Strutt, managing director of Bardsley Construction, said: “We firmly believe that our role isn’t just to build new homes but to establish strong communities, which is why we endeavour to recruit trade apprentices and local supply chain partners at all our developments and the Gretna Road and Pearl Street project is no exception.”