Oakfield Construction has hired an apprentice as part of its partnership with a Nottingham youth mentorship organisation.

Bryer Wheatley joins the quality control department of the construction company’s recycling centre in Hucknall. He hopes to continue his training there and work his way up to becoming a machine driver.

Oakfield Construction was introduced to Wheatley when it partnered with Switch Up, where the 19-year-old was receiving support.

Switch Up mentors vulnerable young people in Nottingham, helping them find employment and getting them involved with activities such as boxing.

The mentorship Wheatley received improved his confidence and helped him realise he was interested in a career in construction.

Mark Flint, Managing Director of Oakfield Construction, said: “Bryer is a great lad – he’s been with us for a while now and he’s learning and progressing well.

“We need fresh talent as a growing company and offering Bryer a job meant we could make a real difference to someone working hard to get where they want to in life.”

Marcellus Baz, Managing Director of Switch Up, said: “I want to thank Mark and Oakfield Construction again for their support – not every company is willing to invest time in a young person but they recognised the amazing potential that Bryer has as an employee.

“Putting people into work and setting them on the right path is the ultimate aim of Switch Up - I’m thrilled that we achieved this goal for Bryer.”