A BOLTON company has celebrated a builder's dozen.

Builder and developer, Seddon, has recruited 13 new trainees, after receiving more than 700 applications for its award-winning apprenticeship programme.

This year’s cohort, aged between 16 and 22 years old, includes 11 new recruits in level 2 apprenticeship roles – two painters, one plasterer, three joiners, two bricklayers, two plumbers and IT.

It has also filled two degree-pathway apprenticeship roles – a trainee estimator and quantity surveyor – in conjunction with Salford University.

Seddon raining manager Kat Healey said: “Seddon nurtures talent from the ground up – it’s in the DNA of the company. We train apprentices not only for ourselves, but for the industry as a whole, meaning the next generation has the right qualifications to suit their needs and meet any challenges head on.

“Our apprenticeship programme gives young people the skills to make lasting, valuable contributions to the built environment, and the right attitudes and professionalism to forge a life-long career in this incredibly diverse industry.

“Our degree-pathway apprentices now have the opportunity build a portfolio of evidence that goes towards chartered membership, which previously would have taken an additional two years. We are delighted to be able to offer this new pathway, allowing our trainees to grow in confidence and ability at a much faster rate.”

All apprentices gain experience both on site and the level 2 trainees undergo classroom learning in partnership with Salford City College.