A local young person has taken on an apprenticeship with Taylor Woodrow to work on construction of the Spalding Western Relief Road’s northern section.
Seventeen-year-old Vocational Academy student Charlie Butler, of Spalding, started his apprenticeship in January 2023.
Charlie said: “I’ve really enjoyed my placement so far and am really enjoying working with Taylor Woodrow on the relief road. The experience has been really helpful and I’ve learnt a lot from all of the experienced people I’ve worked with so far.
“Working on such a large, local project has been fun and I it’s been very helpful to start on a big job since I have the opportunity to work on difficult challenges and learn more which will help me in the future since I’ll have more experience in more fields thanks to the various things I’m working on.
“So far, I’ve had the chance to work with geogrid mesh, which is being placed under the new roads and footpaths to help support stone on soft ground. I’ve also gotten to lay TERRAM, which is used to separate and filter the materials used when building roads.
“At the moment, I’m helping to build a cofferdam ahead of installing a large culvert with wing walls to hold water back.”
Karl White, Taylor Woodrow project manager, said: “Charlie has become a valued member of our team and has fit in perfectly. He is not afraid to get stuck in and ask questions when he is not sure and he is always wanting to learn.
“Apprenticeships are a great way to ensure the next generation understands and is exposed to the variety of roles that could be available to them. They’re also an ideal way to spark young people’s interest in construction, giving them hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in the industry and on a live construction site.”
Cllr Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, commented: "It's great that projects like the Spalding Western Relief Road can provide local young people the chance to gain real-world engineering experience in their hometown.
“Hopefully Charlie makes the most of the knowledge and practice he’s gained once he’s graduated."
For the latest news on the Spalding Western Relief Road, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/swrr.