Redrow has announced that new apprenticeships are available to students and in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, two of its regions detail what they are offering in the way of starting a construction career.
With six places available, those successful in securing a place on Redrow Thames Valley’s apprenticeship scheme will work at developments across the region including the soon-to-be-launched Sanderson Park, in Oxford, and Badbury Park, in Swindon, which has recently launched a new selection of homes.
The apprenticeships will allow students with a passion for construction to build their vocational skills and will focus on different aspects of housebuilding, including bricklaying and carpentry.
The intake follows the success of Redrow Thames Valley’s ongoing apprenticeship scheme, which has been running since 2019. The scheme gives students in the local area an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build a career in housebuilding.
Among them is 19-year-old Lewis Williams (on the left of the picture above), from Swindon, who is working towards completing a carpentry apprenticeship at Badbury Park. He said: “I live close to a Redrow development so would often see the houses being built on my way to and from school. It was great to see the progress between the morning and coming back in the afternoon, and to see how the different teams worked together. As soon as I left school, I explored the different apprenticeships Redrow offer and I’m so glad I did – I have loved it from the moment I started.
“Carpentry is a hard craft to learn, and there are many tools and rules to learn, which means you have to be disciplined and hardworking. I find it very rewarding looking back each day and seeing what I’ve achieved, whether its adding flooring to a room or helping to finish a roof – it makes me feel incredibly proud.”
Sarah Boyce, sales director at Redrow Thames Valley, added: “As part of our ongoing commitment to providing local apprenticeships to support and nurture the next generation of housebuilders, we ensure a number of opportunities are made available annually for apprenticeships with our team. We’re delighted to be recruiting six students to join Redrow Thames Valley, particularly at such a challenging time for students who have had numerous disruptions to their studies over the last few years.”
The successful applicants at Redrow South Midlands will work across developments including Kingsland Park, in Northampton, Lucas Gardens, in Shefford, and Alconbury Weald, in Huntingdon, which has recently launched a new phase of homes.
Among the current team is 17-year-old Liam Barrett (on the right of the picture above), from Northampton, who is currently working towards his carpentry apprenticeship at Kingsland Park. He said: “At school I was always interested in art and design, as well as being good at maths, which are two skills needed for working in the construction sector. As well as this, I have always loved building things from scratch and have admired new and old buildings, so Redrow’s apprenticeship was a perfect option.
“I already had some experience working in construction, but I have learned lots about carpentry, such as cutting and nailing, while expanding my previous skills in roofing too. I would encourage anyone to take up Redrow’s apprenticeship as it’s a great career to have and a fantastic team to be part of.”
Suzanne Irons, sales director at Redrow South Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to be recruiting for several students to join our team. The apprenticeships give ambitious students the opportunity to step straight into a career where they gain hands-on experience and continue to learn.
“A large proportion of our apprentices choose to stay with Redrow once they have completed the scheme, becoming experts in their field as a result. It’s fantastic to have seen so many success stories, including Liam, who continuously impresses us with his hard work and dedication.
“I’d encourage any school leavers looking for a rewarding career to apply to our scheme, we look forward to welcoming our next group of Redrow apprentices and finding the next generation of housebuilders!”
