To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, construction Midas firm has recruited Ashley Jones to join its team in transforming Bristol city centre’s derelict fire station into a world-class youth hub.
Fourth-year apprentice Ashley joins as work on the £5.75m project enters its six months. By the time it is finished in the autumn, the building will have been converted into a state-of-the-art venue and renamed The Station.
Led by the Creative Youth Network (formerly the Kingswood Foundation), this project will create a safe, neutral space in which young people from all backgrounds can thrive. As well as a place to chill out, have fun and take part in creative projects, The Station will provide a comprehensive support network offering young people counselling, career guidance and health advice.
It will also give young people access to some of Bristol’s most inspiring people and organisations including the BBC, Aardman and the Bristol Old Vic.
Creative Youth Network chief executive Sandy Hore-Ruthven said: “We’re delighted that Midas has recruited an apprentice for this project – apprenticeships allow young people to develop valuable skills that give them a real head start.
“The Station aims to do something similar – we want to give young people across Bristol the creative opportunities that will allow them to realise their potential. We want to give them real prospects and get them looking forward to bright futures.”
Ashley added: “I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to learn a trade. Getting paid while studying keeps you motivated and focused – it feels like you’ve made a commitment that you have to stick to and you’re learning all the time.
“My parents run a youth group in Wales which I’ve been involved in for as long as I can remember so the Station project really appealed to me.”
Young people are at the heart of The Station and its young team of volunteers has been involved in everything from decision-making and capital development to interior design.
