M-Futures Construction Apprentices Set to Build The Future

Celebrations were in order for Total People construction apprentices who marked the end of their time on the M-Futures programme with a special ceremony outside Manchester Town Hall.

Learners who completed their Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Management were invited to the exclusive event alongside Total People representatives, key employers and stakeholders.

The M-Futures scheme is an innovative partnership between Total People, Manchester City Council and leading construction, architecture and property companies including Bruntwood, Sisk, MACE, Purcell and Lendlease.

Launched in 2015, it was created to provide a unique apprenticeship opportunity in the construction industry and the chance for apprentices to gain industry-relevant experience in areas including Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture and Engineering over a two-year period. The partnership has enabled learners to work on large scale builds including the Our Town Hall project, a six-year restoration of the Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall, and has seen 50 apprentices gain their Level 4 qualification.

Melanie Nicholson, Total People Managing Director, said: “Following the challenges of the past 18 months, I’m truly honoured to recognise and applaud the hard work and commitment that our M-Futures learners have shown. 

Not only have they gained vital sector skills and experienced a fantastic alternative route into the construction industry, but they have also succeeded in reaching their goal.

"I wish them all the best as they get ready to lead the future of construction through their apprenticeship.”

In total, 47 learners have gained employment in the industry in roles including Quantity Surveyors, Site Managers, Cost Managers and Project Managers. In addition, a selection of learners have progressed to university to gain degrees in Quality Surveying and Architecture.

Paul Candelent, Project Director at Manchester City Council, said: “One of the biggest ambitions for the Our Town Hall project was to give something back to the communities that the council serves and this apprenticeship programme is very much part of that.

It’s great to see young people come through into potentially great careers in construction and I’m really pleased to be able to celebrate that we are actually making that happen.

Sam Bailey, who works for Bruntwood, took home the Apprentice of the Year award for his hard work and commitment over the two-year programme. He said: “I’m quite surprised that I’ve won the award but I’m extremely grateful to have won it. It’s definitely something I’m proud to have achieved over these past two years.”

L-R: M-Futures apprentices Sam Bailey, Connor Hancock, Elliott Hogan, Michael Allen, Leah Finch and Liam Gallagher. 

Find out more about our wide range of construction apprenticeships.