Apprentices learn skills at new shopping centre

WORK ON THE DERRIFORD DISTRICT CENTRE IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER

WORK on a major new shopping and leisure facility in Plymouth is providing opportunities for apprentices and trainees in the construction industry.

Work on the Derriford District Centre is at the halfway stage and due to be completed in September this year. Confirmed tenants include a Marks & Spencer Foodhall, an Aldi supermarket, a Costa Coffee, a gym operated by PureGym, a Pets Corner pet shop and an Oggy Oggy pasty shop.

As Britain marked National Apprenticeship Week last week, developers ADC Kimberley Ltd and Devon Contractors said the site is also helping apprentices in a range of construction industry trades to gain experience on a major building site.

Jonathan Banham, from ADC Kimberley, said: "It is fantastic to see this project delivering, not just for the people of Plymouth who will get a range of vital new facilities in this part of the city, but also for young people who want to follow a career in construction." There are currently five or six apprentices on site at any one time, three employed by roofing and cladding contractor Progressive and the others working for bricklaying subcontractor Plym Bricklaying.