North East Connected

Cleveland Bridge Apprentices restore iconic model bridge

Cleveland Bridge UK Ltd apprentices have used their skills to renovate a large scale model of one of the company’s iconic bridge projects.

The four-metre model of the Severn Bridge was previously displayed on the roundabout at Freeman’s Place in Darlington before the upgrade to the town centre’s inner ring road in 2014.

It was returned to Cleveland Bridge UK where it has been stored since. As part of a programme to upgrade the company’s premises, it was decided to restore the model and put it on display for all to see.
A team of apprentices worked on the project and helped to repair and subsequently install the bridge at the entrance to Cleveland Bridge’s facility in Yarm Road, Darlington.

Cleveland Bridge UK worked on the significant upgrade works to the Severn bridge in the 1970s. Originally built in 1966, the 988-metre bridge spans the River Severn between South Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire in South Wales.

With 21 apprentices currently training at Cleveland Bridge UK, the company is committed to supporting the development of its future workforce. Having reached an agreement to deliver its vocational training with Hartlepool College, the company has launched a new Apprentice Skills Programme with the ambition of training and developing its apprentices into permanent skilled members of its workforce.

The apprentices aim to follow in the footsteps of fellow apprentice Danny Brennan who recently completed his four-year training programme with Cleveland Bridge UK and has now been recruited as a plater by the company.

Chris Droogan, Managing Director of Cleveland Bridge UK Ltd, said: “The apprentices have done an excellent job with the renovation of the Severn Bridge model, which demonstrates the skills they are gaining on our training programmes. It has taken pride of place at the entrance to our factory highlighting the iconic structures the company has worked on.

“Our apprentices are all talented young people and I am sure they are motivated by the achievements of Danny who is now a permanent member of our workforce. His commitment was excellent during his apprenticeship and I am sure he will become a valuable member of the team.”

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