TWO apprentices played in a key part in the construction of the new Urgent Care Centre at Burnley General Hospital.

Markin Kingthong, from Padiham, and Callum Palmer, from Burnley, have been part of the team working to complete the building, which will replace existing urgent care facilities.

The £9million building, will include a GP out-of-hours service and a children’s minor illness unit.

The apprentices are helping to fulfil the contract won by construction company Kier Group under the NHS Procure21+ procurement initiative.

Both apprenticeship opportunities have been provided by Kier’s joinery sub-contractor, SGD Joinery, are supervising the apprentices.

Martin Morgan, director of estates and facilities for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to help Markin and Callum gain valuable experience of the construction industry by working as part of Kier’s supply chain.

“This programme supplements our own internal apprentice scheme and both align well with the Trust’s sustainability strategy.

“It is fitting that the building they are helping to deliver is integral to the development of the Burnley site for the future.”

The centre is due to open later this year and will replace the existing centre at the Casterton Avenue end of the hospital complex.

The new combined centre will be linked to the ‘phase five’ development on the hospital complex and have its own car park, which will be reached via the Briercliffe Road entrance.