Apprentices are building the foundations for a career in construction at The Forum, the development transforming Gloucester city centre.

There are 13 apprentices working for construction company Kier on the £107m regeneration project, which includes grade A office space, a rooftop bar and restaurant, and boutique international hotel.

The development being driven by Gloucester City Council and Reef Group, is part of the £200m regeneration of the city, which also includes the University of Gloucestershire's City Campus development on King's Square.

Jenifer Aaron, 25, from Gloucester, is in the first year of a degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying with Kier.

Jennifer said: "I learn so much and every day is different. My strengths lie on the financial side, ensuring we stay within budget, and we procure at the right time.

"We get to do rotations, so I will gain a knowledge of other working areas on site, and I'll have an understanding of what everyone does, opening up wider career opportunities in the future."

She continued: "They're two of the biggest buildings in the city, and with the cathedral view, it's an impressive welcome to Gloucester. The hotel is going to make a real positive impact, drawing in tourists not only to the city, but also those visiting who want a base for a countryside visit."

Tom Elliott, 20, from Tewkesbury, is in his second year, studying site management.

Tom said: "I was interested in architecture, but wanted to see what other options were out there and found there are so many pathways into construction.

"Training as a site manager appeals to me, as you are involved in so many different areas - the management, design, surveying and the construction itself.

"The Forum is a great site to be getting experience on, as I get to work on so many different aspects. I've been involved from the very start, setting out for the piles in the foundation, to now working on some of the internals of the hotel."

Before his apprenticeship, Tom completed a BTEC in construction and the built environment at Gloucestershire College. Now in his second year of the five-year degree apprenticeship, he works on the site, as well as attending sessions at Sheffield Hallam University.

Tom continued: "I've been challenged to develop lots of different skills, in particular communicating with managers, project teams and different tradespeople. Being in and around them all the time has given me real confidence."

Cllr Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "One of the key aims of this project was to offer jobs and improve skills locally, not only through the businesses coming to occupy The Forum, but also throughout the construction of this scheme.

"The Forum is a once in a lifetime development for Gloucester and we want to maximise the benefits for young people to ensure we make the most of this huge investment."

Andy Bolas, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: "The construction industry is vital to our economy and supporting the next generation of construction professionals is really important to us at Kier. The Forum presents a fantastic opportunity for apprentices like Tom and Jenifer to get hands-on experience and develop their skills alongside our experienced site team."

Peter Langly-Smith, development director at Reef Group, said: "The Forum is a unique development with the hotel, office space, car park, and more all on one site, offering a diverse range of opportunities for apprentices to cut their teeth and gain valuable experience.

"As well as providing workspace for businesses upon completion, we're proud that The Forum has created jobs and provided apprenticeship opportunities during the construction phase too. It demonstrates the significant value the project is bringing to Gloucester and the wider region."

Punchline-Gloucester.com said: "The Forum is a once in a lifetime development for Gloucester and the best possible project for apprentices to be a part of. Well done to Kier for supporting local young people and giving them this incredible opportunity!"

This week (February 5-11) is National Apprenticeship Week, which highlights the value, benefits and opportunities apprenticeships can bring.

The Forum is due to open later this year.