A young Oldham resident has secured a 12-month role with Seddon as part of the contractor’s work to ensure a major housing regeneration scheme creates lasting opportunities for local people.
Kieron Knox, 19, joined Seddon as a General Labourer on Monday 24 August and will work on the 132-home Derker development, which Seddon is delivering on behalf of Hive Homes.
The opportunity was created through Oldham Council’s Get Oldham Working programme, which connects local residents with employment, training and skills opportunities.
The Derker development is bringing previously vacant brownfield land back into use, providing 21 homes for affordable rent, 23 for shared ownership and 88 for open-market sale across four parcels of land.
Alongside delivering much-needed new homes, Seddon is working with Hive Homes and local partners to ensure investment in the area also supports employment, skills development and the local economy.
Kieron joined Get Oldham Working in June 2026 after spending more than a year out of work.
After leaving school at the age of 16 and being out of work for over a year, Kieron went on to complete his Level 2 certification in Carpentry and Joinery.
He started with Get Oldham Working in June 2026 and was soon after awarded his Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card in early July.
Through Get Oldham Working’s Employer Engagement Team, Kieron was connected with Seddon and secured the 12-month role on the Derker development.
Get Oldham Working provides free support to help over 7,000 residents a year find work, access training and develop the skills and confidence they need to progress in employment.
Since launching in 2013, the council-led service has supported more than 15,800 residents into work, apprenticeships or training, while working directly with businesses to create local employment and skills opportunities.
Lee Makin, Operations Manager at Seddon, said:
“Regeneration should create more than new homes. Major investment also gives us an opportunity to create jobs, develop local skills and make sure the benefits are felt by the communities we are working in.
“Our work with Get Oldham Working is a great example of that in practice, connecting local people directly with opportunities created through construction.
“We’re delighted to welcome Kieron to the team and give him the chance to gain hands-on experience and skills that can support a long-term career in the industry.”
Jonathan Phillips, Head of Get Oldham Working, said:
“This is exactly what we want to see from local businesses and the difference that social value can make.
“Seddon has not only created an opportunity for a young Oldham resident, but has given Kieron the chance to build his confidence, develop valuable skills and be part of the regeneration happening across our town.
“Kieron came to Get Oldham Working with low confidence, and it’s fantastic to now see him working on construction sites in Oldham and playing his part in creating the new homes and communities that our residents need.
“This is social value in action, and a great example of what can happen when local employers invest in local people.”
Kieron Knox, said:
“It gives me a magical feeling when I see houses being built in the Oldham area, and to see the housing sector grow. I find this rewarding, and I want to be part of it.
“I now have a positive mental state. I was stressed when I was out of work. I compared myself to others, and I did not feel good enough. I am now more confident and much happier.”
