BOLTON-based Seddon Construction has launched a new partnership with a school vocational skills centre to help pupils build for a career in the building industry.

Based at Rivington and Blackrod High School, the Powerwave Skills Centre provides BTEC and City and Guilds construction training for Year 10 and 11 students, aged 14 to 16, from schools across Bolton.

About 100 youngsters attend the centre each week to learn brickwork, joinery and other construction trades.

Seddon staff will visit the centre regularly to talk to pupils about their jobs and the industry, while the company will also arrange work experience placements for students and advise about apprenticeships.

In addition, Seddon is sponsoring a new outstanding achievement award, which will be given to the best pupil each term.

The firm has funded a trophy which will go to the winner each term, with the winner and runner-up each receiving certificates and £15 vouchers.

Centre manager Damien Bradley said: “The company’s input gives youngsters the industry perspective on the academic work done here, and where a business like Seddon is prepared to put in the time and effort with the young people, it shows them that the construction industry can offer them a real future.”

Training manager Tony Costello, from Seddon, said: “Providing opportunities and mentoring guidance for young people is a key part of our work developing a new generation of construction professionals.

“The Powerwave students will be able to benefit from the experience and knowledge of our own team as they take their first steps into the industry.”

Seddon has already taken on one apprentice who was recruited through the programme in 2012 and last year the group recruited 88 apprentices across its national operations.

The firm has more than 1,000 staff and its work includes new-build, refurbishment, development and sustainable energy projects.

It is part of the Seddon Group, a family-owned company which has national turnover of over £250 million.

l The 2013 Bolton and Bury Business Awards include a new category for best company for apprenticeship development, sponsored by Lostock missile systems firm MBDA, and young person/apprentice of the year, sponsored by Bolton School.

To enter, visit thebolton news.co.uk/business_awards.

The closing date is Friday, April 26.