TROWBRIDGE teenager Tom Fortune has landed a job of a lifetime after he started work as a trainee site manager at a £19m casino development in Bath.

Mr Fortune, of Wren Court is working two days a week at Saw Close which is the location for a new casino, hotel and restaurant complex.

The Level 3 construction student impressed during an interview with Sanctus Ltd, which is carrying out remediation work at the site which is expected to be completed in 2017.

He will be shadowing site manager John Cossins-Price until April and will continue with his course at Bath College for the rest of the week.

The 19-year-old chose to study construction after completing his A-levels at Warminster School.

He said: “I've always had an interest in construction because my parents have done renovations. I could have gone to university, but I chose to come to college instead.

“When I was at school things were focused towards going to university, but there are a lot of different options. I feel more set up for a career now.

“It’s a good opportunity and it fitted into college. It’s a small site, but there’s a lot going on – a casino, hotel and two restaurants.

“Everyone at the head office seemed nice and friendly, I met the managing director. I think I will learn a lot and I can see myself doing a job like this in the future.”

Gloucestershire-based company Sanctus is undertaking the enabling works at Saw Close and utilising experts from Cotswolds Archaeology for the archaeological investigation.

In October, archaeologists discovered a clay pipe tobacco factory dating back to the 18th century, as well as pipes inscribed with workers’ initials.

A protective membrane has now been placed over the factory before builders from Mi-Space, part of Midas Group, start work.

Rob Lucas, construction design manager at Sanctus, interviewed Mr Fortune for the trainee site manager position.

He said: “We’re always keen to take on youngsters in this industry because they are few and far between these days.

“He had gone the extra mile and achieved his CSCS card of his own accord. We will utilise his IT skills and his common sense, and will train him onsite.

“Tom may have the opportunity to see the project through to completion with Mi-space. It’s a big opportunity.”