As National Apprenticeship Week continues, Josh Hall of Yorkshire housebuilder Mulgrave demonstrates that starting as a trade skills apprentice can lead to a career path to site management.
Pocklington-based Hall is now site manager at Urban Renaissance in Fulford after joining Mulgrave as a labourer just seven years ago. The 27-year-old now manages the build programme at the high-end four-property development, set within the grounds of Grade II-listed Ousefield House.
He left school at 16 and could not wait to learn professional trade skills.
Hall said: “I built a treehouse on my own, using spare timber, when I was 12 years old and knew that when I was older I wanted to go into the construction industry. When I joined Mulgrave as a labourer, I really enjoyed the job and got on well with the site manager, Will Cowley, who listened to me when I told him that I was keen to get into management. Thanks to his support, I was given the chance to become a trainee assistant site manager with the company.”
After completing two years of training, he qualified as an assistant site manager in 2023. Later that year he gained his Level 4 certificate in site management from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Soon after work started at Urban Renaissance, Hall was brought in to manage the project while being overseen by Will Cowley, now area manager at Mulgrave.
Hall continued: “I was deployed on various sites during my training and as an assistant site manager I worked under a number of site managers. This allowed me to see different management styles in action and to learn new skills and experience fresh perspectives to problem-solving and project management.
“At Urban Renaissance, I’ve had the opportunity to further hone my skills as we fashion the bespoke homes in a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
He added: “I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to manage this incredible site where we are building truly exceptional new homes in a beautiful location on the outskirts of York. For Mulgrave to have faith in me to deliver this high-profile project is humbling and inspiring.”
Will Cowley, area manager for Mulgrave, said: “Urban Renaissance is a prestigious collection which combines streamlined urban architectural charm with luxurious modern amenities, and we are sure that it is in safe hands with Josh at the helm. He has embraced the challenge and looks to have a very bright future within this company.”
