10 November 2009

Manchester boxing hero Ricky Hatton gave out awards, instead of punches, when he met the twenty apprentices who have taken part in the Manchester City Council Young Persons Initiative in partnership with the council’s contractors. The ceremony, which took place in the Manchester Town Hall, was to celebrate their achievements throughout the year.

Nathan Daley (pictured receiving his award from Ricky) was one of the lucky few to win an award.  Nathan, who is an apprentice bricklayer, has worked with Kinetics since the beginning of the programme in July 2008 and is only a few months away from gaining his NVQ II qualification. Nathan was thrilled to win the award and said that “winning the award made all the hard work worthwhile, especially receiving it from such a legend”.

Councillor Bernard Priest, Executive Member for Finance and Human Resources said “These young people have done exceptionally well and deserve huge praise for their commitment and hard work. Many may not have gained any academic qualifications in school, but offered the chance of an apprenticeship have reaped the rewards in the practical experience that this project offers”.