ACTION STATIONS AT £5.75 MILLION YOUTH HUB FOR BRISTOL APPRENTICE

To celebrate this year's record-breaking National Apprenticeship Week, Midas Construction has recruited young apprentice Ashley Jones to join its team in transforming a derelict Fire Station into a world-class youth hub.   

Midas began work on this £5.75 million development, The Station, in early September last year and the state of the art venue aims to open in the autumn.  

Led by the Creative Youth Network (formerly the Kingswood Foundation), this initiative looks to 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. 

The Station 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.

Sandy Hore-Ruthven, Chief Executive of the Creative Youth Network, says: "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."

Fourth-year apprentice Ashley says:  "I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to learn a trade. Getting paid whilst 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." 

Sandy continues: "It's great to have Ashley's input in the development process. Young people are at the heart of The Station and our young team of volunteers has been involved in everything from decision-making and capital development to interior design. With Ashley on board, young people are building the Station as well as planning it."