APPRENTICE carpenter Darren Courtney is on the fast track to a career in construction with Lovell, the UK's leading provider of affordable housing, which had offices on the Intec Business Park in Basingstoke.

Darren, 17, met his fellow apprentices at a special induction day and team-building event held by Lovell at the Silver-stone motor racing circuit in Northamptonshire. It was attended by Lovell's new apprentice intake from across the UK.

As well as a track tour, the apprentices had a "pit-stop" challenge in which they raced against the clock to change the tyres of a racing car.

Darren, of Old Kempshott Lane, Basingstoke, is now based on Lovell's site at Kiln Fields in Haslemere, where the company is working in partnership with Waverley council and Thames Valley Housing Association to rebuild 44 pre-cast reinforced concrete houses, create new sports facilities and build new homes for rent, shared ownership and sale.

Lovell has taken on more than 40 apprentices across the UK this year to join its Craft Manage-ment Academy training programme.

The new recruits are undertaking a two-year Foundation Modern Apprenticeship and will have the opportunity to continue training into a third year to complete at Advanced Modern Apprenticeship qualification.

Richard Coles, Lovell's Southern regional director, said: "We are delighted Darren is beginning his career with us.

"Attracting the next generation into the industry is vital.

"As a company, Lovell places the highest priority on training and all our apprentices have the opportunity to build themselves a fantastic career."