A 19-year-old teenager from Bath College has started work as a trainee site manager at the £19 million casino development in the Sawclose area of Bath.
Tom Fortune is working two days a week at Saw Close, the location for a new casino, hotel and restaurant complex.
The Level 3 construction student impressed during an interview with Sanctus Ltd, which is carrying out remediation work at the site.
He will be shadowing site manager John Cossins-Price until April and will continue with his course at Bath College for the rest of the week.
Tom, from Trowbridge, chose to study at Bath College after completing his A-levels at Warminster School.
He said: “I had an interest in construction, my parents have done renovations. I could have gone to university, but I chose to come to college instead.
“When I was at school things were focused towards going to university, but there are a lot of different options. I feel more set up for a career now.
“It’s a good opportunity and it fitted into college. It’s a small site, but there’s a lot going on – a casino, hotel and two restaurants.
“Everyone at the head office seemed nice and friendly, I met the managing director. I think I will learn a lot and I can see myself doing a job like this in the future.”
Gloucestershire-based company Sanctus is undertaking the enabling works at Saw Close and utilising experts from Cotswolds Archaeology for the archaeological investigation.
In October, archaeologists discovered a clay pipe tobacco factory dating back to the 18th century, as well as pipes inscribed with workers’ initials.
A protective membrane has now been placed over the factory before builders from Mi-Space, part of Midas Group, start work.
Rob Lucas, construction design manager at Sanctus, interviewed Tom for the trainee site manager position.
He believes there could be an opportunity for him to continue working with Sanctus, or continue at the site with Mi-space.
He said: “We’re always keen to take on youngsters in this industry because they are few and far between these days.
“He had gone the extra mile and achieved his CSCS card of his own accord. We will utilise his IT skills and his common sense, and will train him onsite.
“It’s down to him. Sanctus is undertaking the enabling works contract in advance of the construction phase, which will be carried out by Mi-space.
“The works will include archaeological investigation, demolition, soil remediation and temporary façade restraint works.
“Tom may have the opportunity to see the project through to completion with Mi-space. It’s a big opportunity.”
Bath College Futures, the enterprise and employability team at Bath College, supported students applying for the Sanctus job.
They received advice about writing their own cover letter and CV, as well as preparing for an interview.
Louise Croft, careers and employability manager, said: “We were delighted when Bath College was approached with the offer of this traineeship for one of our students.
“The Futures Team is always keen for local employers to contact us if they are looking to recruit potential talent from our students.”