More than 160 people turned up in response to a Brighton and Hove contractor’s search for “The Apprentice”.
In fact, Mears, the contractor responsible for maintaining and improving 12,000 council houses and flats in Brighton and Hove, is looking for 15 apprentices.
The apprenticeships are in six trades, including carpentry, plumbing and administration, and Mears was delighted with both the number and quality of applicants.
Almost seven in ten of those attending Mears’s apprenticeship open day at Brighton and Hove Housing Centre, in Eastergate Road, off Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton, were aged 16 to 21.
Some were youngsters who have recently been in care.
And about one in ten were women.
Mears boss Gary Lester, who started his career as an apprentice electrician, said: “We’ve got two female apprentices – both plumbers – who are very good role models.”
Mr Lester also said: “We hope to take on almost 10 per cent of those who turned up today.
“If they don’t get offered a position with us, they will be registered with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
“Their details will be shared with other potential employers within the city and across the county.”
Enthusiastic
Daniel Johnson, the CITB’s construction careers adviser for Sussex and Kent, said: “It’s been a fantastic day for us, working in partnership with Mears and the council.
“What a great turnout from the local community.”
Mr Lester added: “To see so many enthusiastic young people has been a privilege.
“Considering the chaos in other cities, this has been a great day for Brighton and Hove.
“Through today’s event we have been able to really show the opportunities training and apprenticeships can offer to residents of Brighton and Hove.
“We’ve seen an amazing turnout from a diverse range of people and hopefully everyone has found something that has interested them.
