Berkeley Homes, one of the best-known developers in London and the South East of England, is urging those looking for an apprenticeship opportunity in the housebuilding industry to apply for a place on its REACH scheme.
REACH has been enhanced this year following its launch in September 2016 by Berkeley Homes (Capital) plc to bring between 30 and 40 more apprentices aged 16 and over to the company this year for around two years of “immersive” learning of key construction skills at some of its central London developments, in partnership with The Outward Bound Trust.
The programme covers technical and practical knowledge, as well as interpersonal skills, and will demonstrate to the apprentices the myriad of routes through the industry that are available to them. A dedicated programme manager oversees each student, setting a series of objectives to achieve. All training or tuition fees incurred as part of the REACH programme are covered by Berkeley Homes.
“We are working hard to attract young people regardless of their background and urge parents, teachers and community leaders to spread the words and encourage all aspiring apprentices to apply for this year,” says Piers Clanford, managing director at Berkeley Homes. “The breadth of skills that our apprentices will learn will enable them to shape their own careers and futures, as well as filling their CVs with experience of working on landmark Berkeley developments across London.”
Academic achievement is not an important quality in potential apprentices for these practical skills, with the company looking for “bright, hard-working applicants who are driven to succeed” and hoping to “pursue careers outside of the traditional higher education pathway.”
As well as traditional housebuilding trade skills, including carpentry, painting and bricklaying, this year’s apprentices will have the option of learning about other aspects of the industry, such as construction management, marketing, finance and administration.
Berkeley Homes hopes the initiative will attract demographics currently under represented in the construction industry, in particular women and anyone from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
“We are targeting those keen to learn new skills on a structured training programme, where you will gain first-hand experience whilst learning,” adds Clanford. “This way we are able to give back to the communities that we develop alongside. The REACH apprenticeship programme is a fantastic opportunity for the construction industry to take control of the skills shortage and train up the next generation of talent.”
Among the major schemes Berkeley is currently working on are Woodberry Down in Hackney, Goodman’s Fields in Whitechapel, One Tower Bridge, South Quay Plaza on the Isle of Dogs, and 250 City Road, close to the City of London.
Find out more from Stav Aristokle-Hill on 07795 542272.
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