Students across Swindon receiving their A-Level results who are still unsure about their next steps and future career path, are being urged to consider an apprenticeship in construction by Barratt Developments, the nation’s largest housebuilder.
Apprentices are leading the charge in construction with over 40 per cent more people starting apprenticeships in the first quarter of 2021/22 than in the same period 2020/21, which is up again from pre-pandemic levels in 2019[1]. Barratt Developments are committed to developing the next generation of tradesman, site managers and industry leaders across their South West developments.
Across the South West, Barratt Developments offer up to twenty apprenticeships each year across various trades, including carpentry, bricklaying, and joinery. Since 2019, thirteen apprentices have successfully completed their apprenticeship, with seven apprentices staying on to further develop their career prospects, by pursuing their level 3 NVQ in carpentry.
Kevin White, head of construction for Barratt Homes Bristol, said: “Construction-based apprenticeships offer opportunities for young adults who either have their heart set on working in the trade or who have a general interest in housebuilding and may not have considered an apprenticeship before. Our scheme is tailored around supporting people to learn the skills, knowledge and experience to become the next generation of talent which is essential for the UK to build its way out of the housing crisis.”
Barratt Homes Bristol will open applications to its apprenticeship scheme early 2023. Available bricklaying, carpentry, and joinery apprenticeships offer a mix of hands-on training working alongside experienced trade specialists. A Level 2 trade apprenticeship takes 18 months to complete. It allows apprentices to develop skills in their chosen construction trade before they put their newfound knowledge to the test and enter full-time employment in their chosen field.
Nineteen year-old Kai Neave is just one young adult on Barratt Developments apprentice scheme combining on-the-job training at Barratt Homes’ Wichel Fields @ Wichelstowe development, with NVQ Level 2 Carpentry studies.
Kai, who’s due to finish the course in February 2023, said: “I was recommended the Barratt Homes apprenticeship by my family who work in the industry. I have always been keen to have an active job and work outdoors, I enjoy crafting and creating so naturally this was the one for me.”
Kai added: “this apprenticeship has taught me much – not just about carpentry, but about the wider construction industry and life skills, too. Barratt Homes has given me the support and mentoring I need to thrive and I’ve made many friends along the way.”
Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes Bristol, added: “Anyone who’s undecided about their next steps after picking up their A-Level results should consider the apprenticeship route rather than a traditional undergraduate programme apprentices have a valuable role in shaping the future of construction and the industry is crying out for fresh, new talent now more than ever.
“There are plenty of options available to youngsters and an apprenticeship route could be the best choice they ever made.”
School leavers who would like to find out more about the early careers available at Barratt Developments plc should visit www.barrattcareers.co.uk
The new community at Wichelstowe will cover 600 acres on the southern edge of Swindon. In addition to 208 new homes already delivered at Canalside @ Wichelstowe, the 250-acre site also includes Waitrose, Hall & Woodhouse bar and restaurant and community facilities. Once complete, there will be 200 acres of open space, 12km of new footways and cycleways, 1.5 acres of allotments and 20 acres of play areas and sports pitches. Work is now underway on the 182 new Barratt homes at Wichel Fields @ Wichelstowe. Barratt and David Wilson show homes are expected to open in the autumn.
[1] gov.co.uk
