Tyne Bridge restoration: Meet the apprentices
Among the apprentices restoring of the Tyne Bridge is a wannabe welder working with his dad on a proud task his grandad undertook 40 years ago. In 1984, John Nicholson was part of a team of contractors completing essential maintenance work on the iconic structure linking Gateshead and Newcastle. Four decades on, his grandson Charlie Nicholson, 18, is working on the current restoration efforts as part of a welding and fabricating apprenticeship with his dad. The family business has been part of the project from the beginning, having carried out some of the initial investigations into the state of the bridge.
Charlie said: "It's been challenging, especially some of the paperwork, but getting down and dirty is what I've always wanted to do. It's good."It's nice to carry on something. My grandad started and finished it and now I've started and I'm gonna finish it."
When asked about working with his Dad, Charlie was complimentary: "We get on really well, I think you need to if you're working with family."We argue sometimes - I'm normally right." Dad Paul Nicholson has a different perception: "There's the odd discrepancy, who's right, who's wrong. Normally I'll come out on top though." Paul, 54, told the BBC he was proud to be working on a regional landmark: "It's iconic. Everyone wants to work on the Tyne Bridge."It's one of the biggest achievements in my, even in my dad's lifetime."
While Charlie and Paul are currently working below the bridge, another apprentice - Taylor Macdonald - is working on the bridge deck where commuters and pedestrians travel. Taylor, 32, is an apprentice industrial painter and the Tyne Bridge restoration is his first project since he left the army after 13 years of service. He was supported by Building Heroes, a charity that helps veterans retain and unlock a new career in construction. He described the transition out of military service as challenging, but said: "I don't think I could be in an office. "After being in the infantry for 13 years, you can't just go straight to sitting in an office I don't think."For me it was definitely about something hands-on."
Completing an apprenticeship means Taylor is still able to financially support his family. "Originally when I was leaving I was a bit worried because there is this question of am I gonna be able to walk into a new job."Everyone's got bills to pay. "They brought me in for a week, to see if I liked it and to see if they wanted to take me on, but it's the same as any job."You don't just walk in at the top, but for them to put me through the qualifications is brilliant." "For now, it's just a matter of learning on the job."
Restoration work is expected to continue on the Tyne Bridge until Summer 2028. The BBC understands the project remains on schedule, with many hoping the work will be complete in time for the bridge's centenary in October 2028. John Nicholson died in 2024, but not before he was able to see both his son and grandson set to work on the Tyne Bridge just as he had in 1984. Paul said: "He was really proud, just as I am so proud of Charlie as well."
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