As the housebuilding industry continues to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, two 19-year-olds tell us about what their structured skills training with Keepmoat has brought them.
Brad Batey, working at the Willow Glade development in Newcastle upon Tyne found new confidence as he pursued his Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship, after realising his future was in construction. Delivered through a partnership between Keepmoat and the National House Building Council (NHBC), he gains hands-on experience on site alongside attending the NHBC Training Hub in Scotswood to practice his skills with NHBC tutors.
Batey’s journey began after attending an NHBC Training Hub open day, where he quickly realised construction was the career path for him.
He explains: “Before I started my apprenticeship, I was shy and didn’t feel confident speaking up. I knew I wanted a career in construction, but I didn’t know how to get there. It’s been great to see a full-circle moment. I first heard about this route by attending the NHBC open day and now I’ve been able to come back as an apprentice and help out myself. I’ve supported two NHBC Hub open days, helping to demonstrate bricklaying and showing visitors how to lay bricks.
“Being trusted to help out and pass on what I’ve learned has been a big confidence boost. It’s something I’m really proud of and hopefully it encourages others to consider an apprenticeship in construction too.
“From the moment I started, I’ve been learning on site and at the hub and the support from the team has been brilliant. The mix of practical training, working alongside experienced bricklayers and having time at the hub has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Keepmoat has given me the confidence to build a career I’m proud of.”
The housebuilder has been working alongside the NHBC since 2022 and apprentices spend an initial five weeks of tailored and immersive training at the NHBC Training Hub covering both theory and practical skills before working on site.
This is followed by four further two-week blocks at the NHBC Training Hub every ten weeks throughout the apprenticeship programme which is delivered in 14 to 18 months.
Geoff Scott, social value manager at Keepmoat, North East added: “Brad has really embraced the apprenticeship from day one. He’s shown a great attitude, a real willingness to learn and he’s grown in confidence every week.
“At Keepmoat, we are excited to see apprentices thrive in their roles and become the new generation of bricklayers, especially with the current skills shortage in the industry. Being able to support him at the NHBC hub and on site has been a pleasure, he’s developing into a skilled bricklayer and he’s already making a positive impact on the team.”
Will Timmens recently celebrated a promotion to the role of assistant quantity surveyor (AQS) thanks to his dedication and successful completion of his Level 4 apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying (QS) and rrainee QS role.
Inspired by his father, Rob, who works for National Timber Systems, Timmens was eager to pursue a career in the construction industry.
He explains: “I began exploring apprenticeship options after finishing school and felt motivated by the positive impact my dad’s work has had on the local community.
“We’ve always bonded over our shared interest in construction and witnessing his impressive career journey made me want to build a career in the industry too and emulate the impact he has. When I saw the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship with Keepmoat, it was clear this was the perfect way to start my journey.”
The apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with New College Durham, provided Timmens with hands-on experience in a field he is truly passionate about.
“My experience has been incredibly rewarding. I have been trusted with real responsibility from the beginning and this has helped me to progress. I am really proud to have been promoted to assistant quantity surveyor and am looking forward to progressing my career with a top 10 housebuilder.”
The housebuilder has collaborated with New College Durham since 2015 to deliver Quantity Surveying apprenticeships through a traditional day-release program.
Geoff Scott added: “Will has shown outstanding commitment from day one, and his promotion is thoroughly deserved. Apprenticeships play a vital role in addressing the construction industry’s skills shortage, and we’re proud to support talented individuals like Will as they build long-term careers with us.
“Supporting Will during the early stages of his career has been a pleasure. He has developed incredible skills, truly made his role his own and has a positive impact on the team. He is always willing to help out. We look forward to Will progressing to the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in the next 12 months.”
