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All-star apprentices charity auction

Brighton and Hove businesses and residents have the opportunity to bid for a team of skilled apprentices to undertake a day of labour, as they auction off their skills to the highest bidders. Three teams of talented Mears apprentices are offering the opportunity for local people to bid for a day of their time, with proceeds going to Shelter, the housing and homeless charity.

Mears, the leading social housing repairs and maintenance provider in the UK, employs 27 apprentices in Brighton and 400 nationally. The group of nine apprentices were nominated by their managers to be part of the Brathay Trust Challenge that encourages young people to be actively involved in their communities and will undertake work for the highest bidders on 18 March.

They devised the innovative fundraising scheme in the lead up to National Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March), that draws attention to the importance of industry apprenticeships and the contribution apprentices make to industry.

Anyone who needs a hand in the home can bid for one of three teams to undertake a variety of jobs. Team A made up of Tyler Barker, Gemma Pope and James Tilley are offering administration and computer work, household chores and gardening, dog walking, painting, minor plumbing and carpentry. Gemma Pope, Plumbing Apprentice said: "Bid for us, we are the best at Mears!"

Joe Davidson, Richie Lyons and Simon Waller of Team B are offering painting, minor plumbing, minor electrical repairs of sockets, switches and bulbs, dog walking, shopping and gardening. Joe Davidson, Electrical Apprentice, said: "Bid for Team B because we have got a variety of skills and we are the most determined."

Whilst Team C's Stephen Mee, Mario Ribeiro and Jack Somers specialise in carpentry, painting and decorating, they are also offering to do additional chores including cleaning, shopping, gardening, dog walking and window cleaning. Jack Somers, Carpentry Apprentice, said: "'We are the most hard working team! Bid for us and get a job done to the best standards!"

To place a silent bid, please email BrightonATeam@mearsgroup.co.uk by Friday 15 March stating Team A, B or C in the subject line, your bid amount and your full contact details. If you are bidding on behalf of someone else please include the address of where you would like the work to take place. The three winning bidders will be contacted on 17 March and receive a day of work from their chosen teams of apprentices on 18 March.

James Cryer, Branch Manager, Mears said: "We are delighted to support the Brathay Trust Challenge team of apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week as they prepare to be auctioned off for charity. Mears apprentices receive practical on-the-job experience and specialised training to develop their skills and gain qualifications. They are hugely valued in our business and we encourage everyone to bid for a Brighton Team."

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