Talented youngsters have secured a foot on the job ladder, by taking up much sought after construction apprenticeships on the landmark Midland Heart Snow Hill redevelopment in Birmingham, which is scheduled to open in 2012. 

Six apprentice roles have been created on site to give local talent the opportunity to gain real work experience in the construction industry. 

Kerry Ann from Kings Norton is thrilled with her placement, she has worked with 'tilers' in the new kitchens and bathrooms, she enthused: "Working on the Snow Hill redevelopment has been fantastic. Everyone on site has really involved us; I've gained new skills and experiences. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product."

The award-winning housing and care organisation is working in partnership with Frank Haslam Milan (FHM), to deliver the £10.7million redevelopment to transform the former Snow Hill homeless hostel into a vibrant mixed living community of 92 self contained apartments for workers needing city centre accommodation alongside previously homeless people who are ready to regain their independence. 

Chris Munday, director for care and support at Midland Heart said: "It's really pleasing to see local employment opportunities created for young people as part of the Snow Hill development.

"At Midland Heart we are passionate about helping people into work and we hope that the experience our apprentices have gained will help them to build a career in the future." 

The Snow Hill redevelopment has been funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and Birmingham City Council. The redevelopment also forms part of the Government's Place for Change programme, which will invest £80 million over the next three years to deliver and modernise facilities and services for the UK's homeless population.