Building career for apprentices

Three young apprentices have joined a developer at a site in Biggleswade.
Bloor HomesBloor Homes
Bloor Homes

Bloor Homes has recruited 35 new apprentices across the country this year, including five in the South Midlands region, with a group taken on at the St Andrew’s development.

Apprentice bricklayers Luke Fisher, Charlie Askew and Kieran Sutton have joined the ranks the site, where carpentry apprentices Ryan Murray and Austin Hathaway have also begun working.

The three bricklaying apprentices are learning the ropes under the guidance of apprentice master Tony Summers, a position which was introduced by the company’s owner John Bloor in 2014.

They are all studying for a two-year Level 2 NVQ in construction and spend two weeks in every six at Bedford College. Those who impress can then progress towards a Level 3 qualification and a potential route into site management.

Luke, 16, said: “I had always been interested in a career in bricklaying, so when the opportunity came to join Bloor Homes, I was thrilled. Tony has been a brilliant tutor during my time here so far, where I initially shadowed his work before trying it myself, which has proven to be a good method of teaching.”

Charlie, 17, said: “After completing my first-year at college, the CITB helped me to put together a CV and secure an interview with Bloor Homes.

“I was fortunate enough to pass through the interview process, and have been enjoying working with Tony and the rest of the apprentices on-site in Biggleswade since then.”

Kieran, 18, said: “My apprenticeship is slightly different to my peers on the course, as I have already completed my college diploma, so I am based on-site full-time which is a big change of pace for me.

“I believe this has allowed me to learn a lot about working on a construction site in a shorter space of time, and to have progressed through the course quickly, as I’m constantly evolving and learning.”

The housebuilder’s annual intake of budding young bricklayers and carpenters continues to increase year on year, and there are now 86 apprentices on the company’s books.

Carl Slater, construction director at Bloor Homes South Midlands, said: “With the demand for new homes continuing to increase, and the construction industry facing a skills shortage, it is absolutely vital that we invest in the housebuilders of the future.

“At Bloor Homes we are extremely proud to be doing our bit to develop the next generation of bricklayers and carpenters, and we are delighted to have increased our apprentice intake once again this year.

“Our apprenticeship scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for young people wanting to pursue a career in construction, and equips them with the skills and knowledge they will need to be successful.

“Our apprentices benefit hugely from having a dedicated apprentice master on hand to provide advice and support, and this is something which makes our scheme particularly attractive to those entering the industry.”

For more information about apprenticeships with Bloor Homes, visit www.bloorhomes.com/careers

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