SOLIHULL HOUSEBUILDER CELEBRATES APPRENTICESHIP SUCCESSES

In light of the recent National Apprenticeship Week (6th to 12th February), West Midlands developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes is celebrating its 90% success rate with apprentices in recent years.

Over the past five years, the leading housebuilder has taken on 35 apprentices in multiple disciplines and, among those, 15 have qualified and 11 are still actively working with the company. In addition, others are either working with Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ sub-contractors, or have gone on to develop their skills with other companies.

Out of the 35 apprentices recruited, 29 have been under the supervision of Alan Ferguson (56), Bricklaying Area Manager and Apprentice Champion for the developer, and he has played a vital role in the retention of the budding construction workers in the business.

Alan, who has been with the housebuilder for five years, said: “Each apprentice and their personal journey is a success, both to a young school leaver who perhaps didn’t know which way their life would go after education, and for Barratt and David Wilson Homes. This is a success for both parties as we gain fully-trained and experienced workers who are tailored to the professional way we like to operate.
“With the correct training from our site teams, making the apprentices feel their worth is important and valued, as they will feel respected and hopefully this will be reciprocated.”

Having been in the trade for 40 years himself, Alan is in the perfect position to provide expert advice. His support for the apprentices under his wing enables them to develop their skills in a practical environment, but also prepares them for a career once their apprenticeship finishes.

Alan added: “Two or three months prior to the apprenticeship ending, I sit down with the apprentices and explain the process of being self-employed to make them aware of the options. They get guidance and the contact numbers required, and I source appropriate gangs for the qualified apprentices to join and will negotiate wages so they are paid fairly. The monitoring of this is ongoing, even when they are qualified.

“What we look for in an apprentice is someone who is interested, and wants to listen and learn. From start to finish we look for the individual who could be a great team player, and the training is the best experience an apprentice will gain.”

Recruitment for Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ apprentices takes place annually with approximately eight vacancies for enthusiastic learners.

One of the apprentices under Alan’s supervision is George Taylor (24), who’s currently on a bricklaying apprenticeship.

He said: “My apprenticeship has been everything I expected by going to college and being on site. By doing both of these, you are always learning and learning in different ways, which only makes it better.

“It’s definitely worth doing. It’s one of the best apprenticeships out there with a lot of benefits to it. Within 18 months of starting, you’re a qualified bricklayer and that’s what I think makes it an attractive prospect.”
George is based at David Wilson Homes’ Rose Place development in Shrewsbury, alongside Mitchell Jayes (28), who’s also a bricklaying apprentice on the same site.

Mitchell added: “It’s brilliant to have the freedom to work and practice without being undermined for being an apprentice.

“My advice to anyone starting their apprenticeship would be to not rush the work, take your time and get it right every time, and the speed will follow.”

A third apprentice under Alan’s wing is Dylan Roberts (26), who’s a bricklayer at David Wilson Homes’ Olive Park development in Uttoxeter.

He said: “My apprenticeship has let me work better in a team and be more confident in myself with learning new skills.

“Barratt and David Wilson Homes has an excellent success rate because the company supports the apprentices with whatever needs they have, and the problems they face.”

For details about any career opportunities with Barratt and David Wilson Homes, visit the website at Barratt Careers.

For more information, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk.