Six Sandwell apprentices are celebrating success after successfully launching their construction careers.
All six have passed qualifications while working on a housing development in West Bromwich after being recruited by Sandwell Council’s employment team – Think Sandwell.
They have been part of the team at the Harvills Hawthorn site where 230 new homes are being built by local housing developer Lovell, in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency, Riverside Living, Compendium Regeneration and Sandwell Council.
The apprentices have been working through a two-year NVQ Level 2, Level 3 or Higher National Diploma (HNC)and continue to develop their skills as part of Lovell's dedicated apprenticeship training programme.
Ryan Wood, 24 is now a trainee site manager. Previously working in a local supermarket, he was doing well but felt he’d reached a plateau and needed a new career path. With a wide range of skills and wanting an active role, he was successfully interviewed for the trainee site manager position.
John Shaw, 21 is now trainee quantity surveyor and taking an HNC course. Think Sandwell put him forward for a 12-month labouring position with Lovell to get his foot in the door to construction. Showing potential he was encouraged to apply for a position as a trainee quantity surveyor and secured the position in March 2014. John said: "I am really enjoying my construction career. I love my job now.”
David Beard, 21 is now an apprentice carpenter He started his apprenticeship in October 2014 after three month's work experience, he's now successfully completed his NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in carpentry and joinery and is now working towards his Level 4.
Dale Flute, 21 is now an apprentice bricklayer and also started his apprenticeship in October 2014 also after completing three months' work experience. He's successfully completed his NVQ Level 2 course and is now working towards his Level 3.
Jake Beasley, 21 is also an apprentice bricklayer and has been with Lovell since August 2015 and is completing his NVQ Level 2.
He said: "It's been brilliant getting to work with different people and learning different things and different ways of doing jobs.
"I'd gained experience in the trade with my dad since I was 14 and always enjoyed it with but knew I needed to do an apprenticeship to get qualified.
"The competition for an apprenticeship with Lovell was strong but my previous experience helped and I was also able to show that I would be committed, loyal and hard working."
Scott Kelly, 21 is a carpentry apprentice and just completing his NVQ 2 after starting with Lovell in October 2015. His supervisor says he has developed while he has been with Lovell, is keen to learn and excels at every task whether on site or at college.
Councillor Paul Moore cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the apprentices on their dedication and hard work in achieving their qualifications.
“The benefit of an apprenticeship is that you earn while you learn and gain real life work experience which employers are keen to see in candidates who apply for jobs in their organisations.
He added: “Building much-needed homes in the town is a big boost to families in Sandwell and it’s great that these young people are learning the skills to develop and further their construction careers through building new homes in Sandwell.”
Stuart Penn, Lovell's managing director for the Midlands, added: "Even during the recent tough times, we have continued to take on apprentices. We give them kind of training and support that maximises their chances of success - and therefore rewards our investment with an excellent new employee trained to excellent standards.
"Our challenge as an industry is persuading people to join - or rejoin - the construction industry. Hundreds of thousands of construction and house building jobs disappeared during the recession and the industry is still suffering with the lack of skilled operatives and professionals.
"These apprentices have been exemplary and have demonstrated the qualities we are looking for - enthusiasm, commitment and a desire to work hard and achieve their goals."
