TWO Hereford teenagers have been given training opportunities at a new housing development in the city.

Sanctuary Group has teamed up with Seddon to provide two work experience placements at its development site at Coningsby Street, which is set to provide supported living accommodation in the city centre for adults with learning disabilities.

Jordan Smith and Aron Bishop, both 19, have spent two weeks gaining construction work experience on the development, where Sanctuary is building a £1.6m scheme featuring 10 one-bedroom apartments.

The development, due to open in the spring, will be part of the wider regeneration taking place in Hereford city centre, with construction specialist Seddon as the contractor and investment from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Arranged by the local job centre, the placements introduced the pair to hands-on experience with several trades, including drilling holes for the electrician so that cables could be installed and helping the plumbers with vent installation.

Jordan said: "I’ve enjoyed being on site and it has been a really good experience for me. This placement has been a great opportunity for me to learn more and get the experience I need to go on to my third year apprenticeship in bricklaying and hopefully continue a career within the building trade."

Aron is looking to pursue a career in either painting and decorating or plastering having got stuck in during his placement.