Crossrail Contractor Appoints 100th Apprentice As Extension Is Considered

by Benson Agoha

Crossrail has reached a milestone in its Apprentice Scheme, after one of its contractors announced the appointment of its 100^th apprentice in its Underground Tunneling Apprentice Programme. And Crossrail said the success of the scheme could encourage its availability to future projects.

Bam Ferrovial Kier (BFK), one of the major contractors delivering gargantuan inter-city rail scheme, appointed Jordan Malcolm-Taylor, 20, from Haringey as its milestone apprentice.

*Jordan Malcolm-Taylor smiles as he is congratulated
by Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin
 during his visit on Thursday, August 7, 2014.
(Photo Credit: Crossrail).

And Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, celebrated with the youngster during his visit on Thursday, August 7, 2014, saying “Crossrail is leading the way in developing a new generation of skilled workers, and it is great to see young people like Jordan embrace the opportunities on offer.”

He added..“By investing record amounts in the rail network, we are not only transforming journeys for millions of passengers, we are also creating a skills legacy that will boost our construction and engineering industries for decades to come. Today’s announcement is proof that our long-term plan to create jobs, invest in young people and secure lasting economic growth is firmly on track.”

According to the statement, Crossrail and its primary contractors have, in total, now employed 360 apprentices in support of the Mayor of London’s campaign to create 250,000 apprenticeship roles by 2016 and BFK has taken on more apprentices than any other company working on Europe’s largest construction project.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said “It is fantastic that so many young people have been given the opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, learning valuable, transferable skills along the way. I would encourage other employers to follow BFK’s lead and offer apprenticeships, giving this eager, enthusiastic workforce the chance to drive forward London’s vibrant economy.”

And the new recruit who works as a Carpenter Apprentice for BFK at Crossrail Farringdon said: “I enjoy being a Bam Ferrovial Kier apprentice; I always wanted to get into learning the construction trade. I chose carpentry as I like being creative and working with my hands. This apprenticeship has influenced me to be more independent and is preparing me to take on new responsibilities.”

Almost one in two Crossrail apprenticeship roles have been filled by those previously not in work. And Crossrail is on track to deliver 400 apprentices by the end of the project.

The huge scheme, costing some £14.8bn, will run from Reading and Heathrow in the west, passing through 40 stations and 100km, 13 miles of which will be through tunnels below central London, to Schenfield, Woolwich and Abbey Wood in the east.

Crossrail services are due to commence through central London in 2018 and will increase London’s rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city.

See also >>> [ www.woolwichonline.eu ].