Blogs, News and Case Studies

M Futures: Help Change Manchester's Skyline

M-futures Logo
General News Technical Trades News

Young people wanting a career in construction can gain invaluable experience while helping to change the Manchester skyline thanks to an innovative apprenticeship with Total People.  

As one of the North West’s largest providers of apprenticeships and work-based learning, Total People are collaborating with leading employers on the M Futures project.

This innovative scheme provides construction-focused, higher level apprentices the chance to work with organisations, including Manchester City Council, development company Manchester Life, property company Bruntwood and architects Purcell, over a two year period.

Total People apprentices who sign up will benefit from work placements on large scale builds, including the Our Town Hall project, a six year restoration of the Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall.

Linda Dean, Managing Director for Total People, said: “Total People is thrilled to be giving young people a fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable experience working on some of the most exciting projects across the city.

Total People work with over 2,000 employers and over 6,000 learners each year. Through projects like M Futures, we are helping businesses to recruit their future workforce and are helping individuals gain the right industry focused skills to secure employment.


The M Futures Shared Apprenticeships Scheme is suitable for anyone with either A Levels or equivalent. Apprentices will get industry-relevant experience in a number of areas including:

  • Project Management
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Architecture
  • Engineering.

Daniel Cadman, Regional Director at Faithful+Gould, one of the employer’s involved in the scheme, said: “We are proud to continue our support for the M-Futures programme in 2019.  The new intake of apprentices will be supporting Faithful+Gould in the delivery of Cost Management and Contract Administration services for the £330m restoration of the Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall for Manchester City Council.  These apprentices join us at a key moment on the ‘Our Town Hall Project,’ as we reach the end of a three year design programme and move into a four year construction project beginning in early 2020.”

Councillor Carl Ollerhead, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Finance, added: "Social value - putting opportunities for Manchester people at the heart of council-led projects, is at the heart of everything we do. The M Futures initiative is a brilliant way for young people in the city to build the skills and experience which will give them a career springboard at the same time as helping to literally build their city."   


Total People provide apprenticeships in more than 30 different industries, including construction, and match people with employers to provide amazing apprenticeship opportunities. Apprentices can be anyone aged 16+ (new recruits or existing staff) and there are more than 100 apprenticeship vacancies currently available.

Graded as good by Ofsted, Total People can support employers through every step of the process. We have a wealth of experience in providing apprenticeships across more than 30 industry areas including business administration, engineering, hospitality, construction and childcare.