The chief executive of Linden Homes’ parent company, Galliford Try, got back to his roots during National Apprenticeship Week.
Greg Fitzgerald has climbed the ranks since he began his career as an apprentice, so he was well placed to add his valuable advice at a special event about the benefits of apprenticeships at a business breakfast for young people and employers.
Held as part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, it was organised by Devon County Council and Education Business Partnership South West as an interactive way to spread understanding.
Linden Homes’ South West region has 113 apprentices and its latest apprentice, Danielle Bush, started an apprenticeship in business administration at the company’s Home @ Heartlands development in Redruth. Danielle is 21, from Helston and met Greg during National Apprenticeship Week.
Speaking about her apprenticeship, Danielle said: “I love that I’m learning and earning at the same time, the apprenticeship scheme really appealed to me as I wasn’t ready to stop studying but I really needed to start a proper job.
“I began my role during National Apprenticeship Week and I’m looking forward to getting to work on site. The properties at Home @ Heartlands are very energy efficient, which will involve a lot more paperwork so it’s going to be a fantastic experience for me.”
Linden Homes is part of the Galliford Try Group, the company behind Wimbledon’s famous retractable roof, the restoration of St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel and the new South Devon Link Road.
Greg has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and was a founder director for Midas Homes in 1992, which was subsequently acquired by Galliford Try in 1997. Greg said: “I’m incredibly passionate about young people having the opportunities that I had and getting a skill under your belt will set you up for life for a career in Construction and Housebuilding.
“We have pledged to create more apprenticeships within our company and we have recently announced a partnership with South Devon College to run a new training and education hub in Paignton to help teach key trades such as painting and decorating, bricklaying, plumbing, carpentry and business administration.”
Linden Homes is building homes in Exeter, Exminster, Goodrington, Okehampton, Westward Ho!, Plymouth, Liskeard, Duporth, Grampound, Truro, Wadebridge and Redruth.
-ENDS-
For further information, contact Emma Mackay on 01626 356666 or email emma.mackay@lindenhomes.co.uk
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