OLDHAM residents and businesses are starting to reap the benefits of a £100 million sheltered housing improvement scheme. National building firm Bullock, with the help of the local labour in construction training initiative J21, has recruited 11 local people — including three apprentices through J21 and The Oldham College. In addition, more than £2 million has been spent with local contractors and suppliers. These figures are set to increase over the next four years as the construction programme continues. Bullock, the main contractor working on behalf of the Oldham sheltered housing PFI project run by Housing 21, has committed to employing 42 apprentices, three professional trainees and 20 general operatives over the period — a total of 67 construction- related jobs. In addition, a large number of skilled people are employed by local sub-contractors, such as Oldham firms John Abbot Flooring, First Choice Homes and Dew Piling, and Chadderton-based civil engineering contractor Westshield undertook groundworks Gerard Waldron, Westshield’s business development manager, said: “Having attended numerous seminars in connection with the housing initiative we were pleased to secure our first project with Bullock. “We believe strongly in the principles of the initiative.”
Darren Bowden (39), from Shaw, who was recruited as a general operative in January, said: “The job has given me a fantastic opportunity to work alongside other trades, so I’m learning lots about the construction process and doing technical jobs at the same time, which is building my experience. “I’m also training parttime at the Oldham College and hope to qualify as a gas engineer.”
Since 2005, J21 has found jobs for more than 100 people and invested more than £300,000 on training local people. Nick Young, construction team leader at Bullock added: “Collaborating with J21 is an excellent example of how partnerships can provide real benefits to the community." J21 manager Sarfraz Arfan said: “This agreement demonstrates the value that can be generated from the construction process. Bullock understand the potential impact of this scheme on Oldham. “With the support of Oldham Council we aim to build on this approach.” £200m go-ahead Jobs created — and more are promised.