City arena project raises hopes for 100 jobs

The Leeds Arena Local Impact Programme, launched by the local authority and the preferred construction contractor, BAM, outlines the work and training opportunities available with the 55m construction scheme expected to open in 2012.

Local construction firms are being urged to register their interest in the project.

As part of the programme, BAM has committed to delivering a range of employment, training and educational targets.

These include mentoring sub-contractors to help small and medium sized companies who may not usually bid for such work, become "fit to compete" when bidding for work with major contractors.

The Leeds Arena Local Impact Programme will create around 100 opportunities for progression into employment with the aim of securing roles for those living near to the site.

It will also safeguard 110 local construction jobs and provide work experience for 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds.

The programme will also create around 60 new apprenticeships. A priority will be to help apprentices displaced by the economic downturn so they can complete their training.

There will also be school visits and college workshops, university research projects and Higher Level Skills training and NVQ training courses.

The Leeds Council executive member for city development, Richard Lewis, said: "We know that the arena will boost the city's economy by 25.5m a year but we also want to ensure it creates real opportunities for those people who live in the areas surrounding it and for the city's local construction industry."

Project manager Rob Wolfe at partnership organisation Construction Leeds said: "We will be working very closely with Leeds City Council, BAM and Leeds people, whether they are in a construction business or a local resident wanting to get a job, to make sure these opportunities become a reality."

People can register their interest in working on the Leeds Arena by contacting Construction Leeds at [email protected]