North Stoneham Park brings employment and training opportunities for local people

North Stoneham Park, the new 1,100 homes community in Eastleigh, has delivered an abundance of employment opportunities, apprenticeship schemes and qualifications for local people.

The large-scale development, built in partnership between VIVID and Highwood Group, has employed over 40 local people looking to start a new career or advance their skills in construction.

VIVID and Highwood started the development in 2017, to help address the shortage of affordable homes in Hampshire. As part of the scheme’s Employment and Skills Plan requirement the partnership set a target to help develop the employment opportunities and futures for local people through a series of work placements and apprenticeship schemes.

Throughout the first 2 years North Stoneham Park has provided courses and apprenticeships in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, groundwork, health and safety and first aid. These training programmes have provided a range of qualifications from NVQs, through to level 1 diplomas and degrees.

The development is due to complete in 2023 and the partnership will continue to offer more opportunities over the coming years.

Mike Shepherd, New Business and Development Director at VIVID says, “We’re delighted North Stoneham Park has offered employment and training opportunities for local people to learn on the job and gain valuable experience. We hope the project will employ and train many more people during the final phase of the development.”