St Helens regeneration scheme delivers major boost for local education
Young people across St Helens are gaining a wealth of hands-on experience and career opportunities through school visits, apprenticeships and skills programmes linked to the once-in-a-generation regeneration now being delivered in the town centre.
Article date: September 26 2025
From classroom talks and careers workshops to on-site placements and long-term apprenticeships, the project is actively inspiring the next generation while creating real pathways into employment.
These opportunities are revealed in data compiled by VINCI Building - the main contractor - which is delivering the scheme for St Helens Borough Council and ECF, a regeneration partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.
Since October 2023 the activities delivered by the protect team, which includes a network of local contractors and suppliers, have generated almost £33,000 Social Return on Investment for young people in St Helens.
Social Return on Investment is a framework for measuring the value of social, economic and environmental impacts and quantifies the value generated by an activity in monetary terms. The figure has been independently verified by the Social Value Portal, a UK leader in measuring community impact, using the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, and Measures) framework.
The value generated includes around £23,000 through apprenticeships, providing on-site and office-based experience that supports long-term career development.
A further £8,000 of benefit has accrued through educational engagement, including workshops, careers events and talks at institutions such as Ascent Autism Specialist College and St Cuthbert's Catholic High School.
Finally, over £1,700 has been achieved through structured work placements, including opportunities like that of Ascent Autism Specialist College's Dominic Hindle, who gained two months of experience at VINCI Building's head office and went on to win a 'value' award at the college's Aspire Evening.
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth at St Helens Borough Council, said: "It is vital that while we deliver this landmark regeneration programme, we are focused not just on the bricks and mortar of today, but also the skills legacy of tomorrow. Our ambition is to build a St Helens that works for everyone - and allows people throughout our community to achieve their potential. A key part of that vision is ensuring our young people are equipped with the skills, confidence and inspiration they need to succeed. Through our social impact commitments and local partnerships, we will continue to support opportunities for career development, skills training, and personal growth."
Hannah Bailey, Social Value Manager at VINCI Building, said:
"As the project team leading on the regeneration of St Helens town centre, we believe lasting change begins with investing in young people. The opportunities we create today will help shape the careers and communities of tomorrow. Through our outreach and education work, we've met some truly inspiring young people, and it has been incredibly rewarding to support their journeys."
Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager at ECF, added:
"This once-in-a-lifetime regeneration programme is not just about physical transformation - it's about improving lives. We're committed to ensuring our work enriches the wider community, especially by opening up opportunities for young people to develop their talents and discover new career paths. This milestone demonstrates how meaningful investment in education can create a ripple effect that supports individuals and strengthens communities."
The social impact programme is continuing at pace, with a range of initiatives taking place in schools and colleges throughout the coming year.