Apprentice House – it may sound like a new reality TV show but in actual fact it’s a very exciting project which has seen a rundown three-bedroom Blackpool council house transformed into a modern family home by new recruits at Blackpool Coastal Housing.

The project, which has taken three months to complete, saw 14 apprentices renovate the house on Hockley Place – including replacing the electrics, plumbing and heating systems as well as installing new windows, flooring and building and removing walls. A new bathroom and kitchen have been fitted before the entire property was painted and cleaned. The garden has been tidied and refurbished as plasterers, joiners, plumbers, gas engineers, electricians, tilers, floor layers and decorators got stuck in to provide one Blackpool family with a new home – and learn on the job skills to carry out other renovations as part of the BCH Decent Homes Programme.*

Now complete, the home will be occupied by Kate and Neil Wood and their children Jodie, 7 and Matthew, 18 months. Kate says she was overwhelmed when they were told about the project – which has seen the couple able to select all the fixtures and fittings, including the appliances and colour schemes – and says that it means so much to them all but particularly her son, who has cerebral palsy. She said: “I actually cried when we were told about the project because it will mean so much to have extra space for all Matthew’s equipment and for him to have his own bedroom and the garden is a great size for the kids to play in – Jade has really green fingers and already has ideas about growing her own fruit and veg!”

Blackpool Coastal Housing and their Decent Homes partners Read & Errington, Connaught, Mears, H T Forrest, BAAS Construction and local subcontractors have provided the apprentices to carry out this innovative project.

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing, said: “The project was designed to give apprentices experience of a project from start to finish. It has also helped them to develop skills outside their main area of expertise; so for example a kitchen fitter may have got involved in plastering or fitting a window so they are more able to take a holistic approach to a whole project. Even the project manager has got really valuable experience of running this type of task.”

Cyril Holland, Director of Property Services for Blackpool Coastal Housing, added “The project has been really challenging, however it has encouraged a team working ethos that will help the trainees as they progress through their careers.”