Pictured above: (l-r) Construction apprentices Ashley, Louis and Kieran on the Lyng redevelopment site

Three Sandwell teenagers have begun building careers in construction thanks to the multi-million pound regeneration of a West Bromwich estate.

Louis Beardsmore and Kieran Baker have joined the Barratt West Midlands (WM) site team on the Lyng as apprentice carpenters while Ashley Williamson is learning the trade of a bricklayer.

The trio is the first of at least 20 full-time, paid apprenticeships to be created during the life of the build project, a partnership between Lyng Community Association (CA), Barratt WM and Sandwell Council. A trainee administration assistant is the next post to be recruited.

Karen Griffin, of the council's Think Local service, which is coordinating the apprenticeships, said: "These are outstanding opportunities, particularly so in light of the current economic climate. We wish Louis, Kieran and Ashley the very best of luck in their chosen trade."

Barratt WM will pay the council a £10,000 bond per apprentice. The money will be returned to the housebuilder upon successful completion of each apprenticeship or invested by the council in training opportunities across the borough should an apprentice not complete their two year course.

Barratt WM's managing director Adrian Farr said: "We are delighted to welcome Louis, Kieran and Ashley on site. As a company we have always been committed to developing raw talent, in fact many of our senior personnel started out as trade apprentices and combined with the Barratt Academy offer some of the best training in the industry. 

"I myself was a trainee carpenter and our construction director started out as a trainee bricklayer. We are firm believers that this kind of opportunity benefits both the young person and the employer.

Former Menzies High School pupil Kieran, aged 19, is working a stone's throw from his home in West Bromwich.  He said the apprenticeship would give him the chance to broaden his knowledge of construction.

Working on the Lyng is the first experience of a construction site for 16-year-old Louis, of Wednesbury. He said: "I hope to gain confidence, skills and experience."

While 19-year-old Ashley, of Tipton, said he was looking forward to learning more about bricklaying and other trades.

Wendy Bodenham, chair of Lyng CA, said: "It's very important that we take this golden opportunity to help some of our young people onto the career ladder. The Lyng is not just about building homes, it's about building a sustainable community and employment is crucial to that."

The redevelopment will cover an area of 7.25 hectares (18 acres) and will include 364 homes - a mixture of affordable rent and private sale, large areas of public open space, a children's play park and a new office for Lyng CA. The first of the homes will be available to residents in early summer.