A former carpentry apprentice who worked his way up to be site manager at a national housebuilder’s new Pinhoe location has inspired his son to take the same route – and wants other youngsters to follow suit.
Ian Edgcumbe, site manager at Linden Homes’ Harrington Park at Pinhoe Quarry, where 380 homes are being built, says he’s delighted his son – who until recently played in the same football team – is undertaking a carpentry apprenticeship.
Father-of-three Ian, from Tiverton, fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing alongside George, 20, and believes the apprenticeship should open the door for his son to enter the housebuilding industry. He added youngsters should be aware of the variety of job roles in the sector.
The Liverpool fan, who played with George at Elmore FC in Tiverton, said: “It’s like history repeating itself as my son is an apprentice carpenter. It’s not something I’ve pushed him into or even suggested, he wanted to do it and was hoping to complete his apprenticeship this year.
“Carpentry is a great route into housebuilding because you interact with nearly every other trade. It gives you understanding of what other people need to do to deliver housing. The trade route is a great way into the housebuilding industry because you get a good knowledge of the building industry and how it works.
“If there’s someone who turns up every day, has the right attitude and is enthusiastic, then the sky’s the limit for them. It doesn’t matter what your background is, if you’re a young person who wants to get into the housing industry, consider the apprenticeship route, work hard and you’ll make it. There is such a wide range of jobs on site too, and in the office – from accounting to marketing.
“George is in a great position to succeed in the industry. One of my life goals was to play football alongside him, which we managed to achieve. Quite literally, as I played central midfielder or defender and he was right midfield or right back. In fact, we managed to play a whole season together, not just one game!”
George is undertaking his four-and-a-half-year apprenticeship, which includes work on site as well as study, at Petroc College – his Dad studied there when it was called East Devon College.
Harrington Park is a 32-acre development and homes there are being built by Vistry Partnerships, through Linden Homes. Groundwork is well underway and the homes are beginning to take shape with the first homes due for completion this summer.
The sales office will be launched this weekend. There will be six phases in total over the coming years, with phases one to four starting from this month.
Vistry Partnerships has joined forces with the south west’s largest housing provider, LiveWest, once again with Harrington Park the latest development between the partnership. The 10-year strong relationship between the companies has plans to deliver more than 2,000 new homes across the south west.
Ian continues to play 5-aside football twice a week. He also plays 11-aside for a veterans team every few weeks. He lives with his wife Carla and they also have two daughters, Morgan, 25 and Lola, 13.
-ENDS-
Contact: Chris Campbell, Vistry Group, 01242 388713; chris.campbell@vistrygroup.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.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
