Build Salford Returns to Morgan Sindall’s Knowledge Quad
The Build Salford traineeship has returned to Morgan Sindall Construction’s Knowledge Quad for the third time, offering another group of 16- to 24-year-olds in Salford a unique and practical pathway into careers in construction.
This industry-led traineeship equips young people with valuable skills, knowledge and site-based experience to help them progress into apprenticeships and employment. Since it began, the programme has supported almost 100 Salford residents, with many now working in skilled roles across the region’s construction sector.
Delivered in partnership by Salford City College and Salford City Council, and backed by more than 20 local employers, Build Salford reflects a shared commitment to creating real opportunities for young people to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. The six-week course includes classroom learning, industry visits, CSCS accreditation, and a four-week work placement with one of the partner organisations.
This year’s traineeship is being hosted at Morgan Sindall’s Salford Knowledge Quad – a multi-purpose training hub located on our live construction site at Plot C2, New Bailey. The 23-storey residential building, designed by Hawkins\Brown and funded by CBRE Investment Management, will deliver 196 modern apartments and high-quality shared amenities as part of the wider Salford Central regeneration by ECF (a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse Developments).
An Overview of Week One
In their first week, trainees took part in on-site ‘have-a-go’ sessions on floors 13 and 17 of the C2 development. These practical workshops, delivered by Morgan Sindall in collaboration with supply chain partners Cara Brickwork, Titan, and John Martin Painting Ltd, gave young people hands-on experience in real construction trades, including bricklaying, spray plastering, and painting and decorating.
They also attended classroom-based sessions led by Ardere and Metclad, focusing on firestopping and cladding respectively, as well as site management workshops delivered by the Morgan Sindall site team.
Three trainees from the cohort will go on to complete their four-week placements on Morgan Sindall’s C2 construction site.
Quotes
Aaron Hayes, Head of Apprenticeship Delivery at Salford City College Group, said:
It’s brilliant to be back at the Knowledge Quad. Build Salford has gone from strength to strength because of the commitment of partners like Morgan Sindall, who not only host but genuinely invest in these young people. The environment here gives them confidence - they’re treated like future professionals, not just students. From hands-on site experience to learning directly from tradespeople and project managers, they’re gaining a real insight into what a career in construction can offer. For many, this is a turning point, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Michelle Brown, Social Value Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said:
We’re really pleased to welcome Build Salford back to the Knowledge Quad for the third time. It’s a space designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, and there’s no better example of that in action than this programme. It’s been amazing to watch the trainees get stuck in on site with our ‘have a go’ activities, working alongside our team and supply chain partners. The confidence and skills they will gain over the six weeks can be life-changing. We're committed to helping them take that next step into a job, apprenticeship or further training, and we look forward to seeing where this experience takes them.”