A trainee bricklayer from Marshland St James is among three apprentices kick starting their construction careers through a major new homes development in King’s Lynn.

Josh Philp-Hammond, 18, will develop practical skills as members of the team from housing developer Lovell delivering the 130 homes which make up the Orchard Place development, off Marsh Lane.

Josh, who will combine working with studying on day-release at the College of West Anglia’s Wisbech Campus, said: “I’ve worked as a labourer on sites before but this is very different, I love it.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for me to develop my skills as a bricklayer.”

Josh is based on the Orchard Place development alongside apprentices Harry Knight from Terrington St Clement, near King’s Lynn and Lukas Misevicius from King’s Lynn.

Lovell regional managing director Simon Medler says: “Delivering training opportunities for local people is an integral part of our large-scale house building programme in partnership with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.

“We want the work we’re doing in the area to bring about lasting long-term benefits, with investment in new jobs and training alongside the new homes now taking shape. We’re delighted to welcome Josh, Lukas and Harry to the Lovell team and look forward to helping them progress to the next stage of their construction careers.”

Over the next two years, Josh and Harry will study for Level 2 NVQ qualifications in bricklaying. Carpenter Lukas will spend the next 18 months working towards his advanced Level 3 NVQ in carpentry.

Each of the three trainees will earn as they learn, with Lovell providing tools and clothing for each of the recruits as well as funding their apprenticeships, including paying college fees.