The highest quality national house builder has kindly donated resources to advance the learning of Bricklaying apprentices and students at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.
David Wilson Homes has recently started working with Shrewsbury Colleges Group investing in six apprentices, five Bricklayers and one Carpenter. SCG offers a wide variety of construction Apprenticeships for school leavers and people who want to progress in or change their career, from a variety of trades through to HNC in Construction and the Built Environment.
Corinne Brown, Business Development Manager at Shrewsbury Colleges Group said: “We have developed a very good working relationship with David Wilson Homes who are inspirational employers. They offer well above the minimum apprenticeship wage, provide their apprentices with brand new tool kits and personal protective equipment, all who are mentored closely throughout their programme of learning. The company are supportive and generous; they are a joy to work with.”
The award-winning property development company have generously donated a large number of resources to the Bricklaying department of the College. These include bricks, blocks, insulation and lintels; all of which will improve the learning environment for apprentices, full time students and part time students.
Alan Ferguson, Bricklaying Area Manager for Barratt Homes said: “We have 27 apprentices with the Barratt group, from school leavers wanting to get straight into construction to adults who have had years in a career and want a change. Each potential Bricklaying apprentice is interviewed to make sure we have the best candidates to send to Shrewsbury Colleges Group. Barratt Homes can see that there is a shortage of people starting work in the construction industry and we are taking the lead to change that.
“I wanted to offer tools that would help out our apprentices, so that they can be trained to the highest standard – with the added benefit of them being available to all the Bricklaying students. I spoke with Harry Marcuse-Harris, Construction Director and Lee Rowley, Construction Manager to think about some ideas and decided to donate these resources from our Eastfield development in Telford.
“Our apprentices are thriving at Shrewsbury Colleges Group - they are only seven weeks in and have already learnt so much.”
Bricklaying apprentice, Jordan Hanson, 28, from Telford said: “I am a fully qualified personal trainer, but was interested in looking at a different career path and really wanted to learn a trade. Working as an apprentice with David Wilson Homes is rewarding and they look after their staff. I learn a lot during the college day – I really enjoy it. I had no experience in construction, but the company and college have been so welcoming.
“It’ll be great to get these new resources, they will really help us. The current bricks we work with have been used to teach loads of students, so have a bit of wear and tear, but these new ones from David Wilson Homes will allow us to perfect our skills.”
Another David Wilson apprentice, Owen Gregory, 17, from Telford said: “I came into the Apprenticeship after finishing at Telford Priory School. My Grandad built his own house and that inspired me to want to do the same – so I have always been interested in starting a career in bricklaying.”
To find out more about our construction Apprenticeships call 01743 260400 or visit www.scg.ac.uk/employers. To look at other courses at Shrewsbury Colleges Group call 01743 342411 or come to an Advice Event January 17.
To learn more about careers and Apprenticeships with David Wilson Homes, please visit www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk