Apprentices Highlight The Importance Of Training During National Apprenticeship Week
08 Feb 2021

After you leave school it can be difficult to know what career path to take, never mind the best route in. To mark National Apprenticeship Week (8th – 14th February), three apprentices who work at Linden Homes developments are highlighting the scheme as a great way into the industry.

Ben Lee, 20, from Teignmouth is a plumbing apprentice, currently working at Linden Homes’ Church Walk development in Newton Abbot. He started in September 2017 and has been spending each Monday at the City College Plymouth to achieve his NVQ level 2 and 3. He commented: “After school, I was thinking of joining the police or army so I did a public services diploma but soon realised it wasn’t for me. I did some research, took part in a day’s plumbing course and I loved it.

“It’s been fantastic to work in the housebuilding industry; to be able to see all the pipe work in a new home made everything so clear at the beginning. Linden Homes has really looked after me and the team on site are excellent, taking time to explain everything. The problem-solving element to the job is what I enjoy the most and I’d love to have my own company by the time I’m 30 years old.”

Joel Haslam, 23, moved to Tiverton 10 years ago and is now a plumbing apprentice at The Oaks In Chudleigh. He joined in September 2015 and said: “I usually spend one day a week at Petroc College in Tiverton, as I’m working towards my NVQ level 3 qualification. I like the variety the apprenticeship brings: you’re learning but earning at the same time. I managed to get into the role straight from school and I’ll have a skill under my belt that will always keep me in work. I really enjoy being on site and working with people – the apprenticeship has been a good move for me and I’d definitely recommend it to others.”

Another apprentice to promote the scheme is Jamie Smith, a carpentry apprentice at White Rock in Paignton. Jamie, 24, lives with his partner and young daughter in Paignton. He commented: “I left school and wasn’t sure what to do as a career. I did some labouring, worked with some electricians and then my brother became a carpenter and I loved the job too. I joined in September 2017 and study on Wednesdays at PGL Training in Exeter, although it’s on Zoom at the moment. I’ve obtained my NVQ level 2 and I’m now working on my NVQ level 3 qualification.

“White Rock is the perfect site, there’s so much going on and the team have been brilliant. I’m very organised and hard working so it’s been wonderful to have been offered jobs already. Being a carpenter is so interesting, you have a great overview of the site and you’re involved in all stages of the build, from the roofs and staircases to the architraves. I’m finding it’s creeping into my home life too as I’m always making items for my family and friends – it’s a real passion for sure.”

Managing director, Paul Moran, said: “It’s fantastic when you see the apprentices flourish and the ambition and passion they have for their trades is really inspiring. Some will focus on their craft and look to hone these skills and some will progress through to site management – apprenticeships certainly open doors.

“Linden Homes is part of the Vistry Group and the chief executive, Greg Fitzgerald, started his career as an apprentice – so he’s proof that it’s a successful scheme. The company currently employs 120 apprentices and there’s a real drive to invest in our people’s development.”

Paul added: “National Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity to highlight the route into the industry and what’s great about housebuilding is that there are so many different options and a diverse range of roles available – from electrician to land buyer, technical manager to marketing assistant.”

For further information on apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

-ENDS-

Contact:
Emma Mackay, Linden Homes, 077383 12960; emma.mackay@lindenhomes.co.uk

References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.

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