Two of the regions’ most respected SME housebuilders have launched their own apprenticeship schemes for the first time.
Three talented young people are starting to build careers in the property industry after being chosen by Banks Homes as the company’s first ever apprentices.
The bespoke apprenticeship training programmes have been developed with Northumbria University, New College Durham and Sunderland College to ensure the new apprentices have access to the outside support they will need as their training progresses. Each role will also enable the new recruits to gain formal qualifications, including up to degree level, in their respective areas of expertise.
Amy Ward (pictured right), James Rylance (centre) and Kaci Lonsdale (pictured left) have successfully completed a rigorous selection process designed by the County Durham-headquartered firm to help increase the number of staff that it brings through its ranks.
Ward now works as a commercial trainee at the company’s Meadowfield headquarters. Working across a number of Banks Homes’ residential developments in the North East and Yorkshire, Rylance has moved into a trainee assistant site manager role and Lonsdale has joined the business as a trainee sales executive.
Its apprenticeship programme complements the Banks Group’s longstanding graduate recruitment programme, which offers recruits support in building the key vocational, technical and professional skills needed for their respective roles, as well as opportunities to gain hands-on experience on live projects and evolving plans.
Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Property and Banks Homes, said: “Investing in talent identification is a core part of the Banks Group’s longstanding ‘development with care’ approach, and we have trained many apprentices through our 50-year history who have gone on to enjoy very successful careers both with us and elsewhere.
“Our first apprenticeship programme is the latest stage of this process and combines comprehensive on-the-job training with support of both the highly experienced Banks Homes team and outside institutions who’ve been specially chosen for the specialist expertise they can provide for each role.
“We had an overwhelming response to all three positions, with Amy, James and Kaci showing themselves to be outstanding candidates for the roles they’ve now taken up.
“We have an ambitious, long-term growth strategy in place and our new apprentices will play a hands-on role in its successful delivery while also developing themselves as both professionals and people.”
Meanwhile, Newett Homes has launched its own first apprenticeship scheme, reinforcing its commitment to helping young people enter the construction industry.
The programme will support talented bricklaying apprentices from across Yorkshire by combining college-based training with invaluable experience on live construction sites, helping to create a pipeline of skilled tradespeople for the future.
Four Barnsley College students have been selected for the inaugural two-year programme combining formal qualifications with hands on experience.
Working alongside its brickwork partners Bond Brickwork, Clover Brickwork, and Matthews and Robinson Construction, the Wetherby-based developer interviewed more than 30 college students for the scheme earlier this year.
The interviews took place with students heading into their second year of their brickwork course who demonstrated both enthusiasm for the trade and practical potential.
Following a rigorous selection process, the applicants were shortlisted to 10 before four successful apprentices Charlie Shaw, Brayden Gilman, Wayne Kamhuka and Jack Stott were chosen to join the programme.
Beginning this month the apprentices will spend the next two years working towards their Apprenticeship Standard in Brickwork. At Barnsley College, they will complete the required Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 criteria and portfolios while developing their knowledge and technical ability.
Alongside their studies, each will gain extensive practical experience with Newett Homes and its brickwork contractors across the company’s award-winning developments. Their site-based training will cover every stage of constructing a new home, from foundation work through to completion. They will develop skills in bricklaying, jointing, stonework, complex brickwork and associated labouring activities, giving them a broad understanding of the trade and the standards expected on a high-quality development.
Newett Homes chief executive, Will Newett, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Charlie, Brayden, Wayne and Jack as the very first apprentices on our new programme.
“There is a wealth of young talent across Yorkshire, and our apprenticeship scheme will give ambitious and committed young people the formal training, expert mentoring and practical site experience they need to build rewarding, long-term careers.
“Developing new talent is essential to the future of construction. By working closely with Barnsley College and our trusted brickwork partners, we aim to help close the industry’s skills gap and build a strong pipeline of highly skilled tradespeople who will maintain high standards, support the sector’s continued growth and deliver quality homes for generations to come.”
The new apprenticeship scheme forms part of Newett Homes’ wider commitment to investing in skills, creating career opportunities for young people and supporting the communities in which it builds.
Barnsley College apprentice construction manager, Andy Watson, added: “This partnership with Newett Homes gives our students an outstanding opportunity to put their learning into practice on high-quality residential developments.
“Charlie, Brayden, Wayne and Jack have shown real dedication to their chosen trade, and we look forward to supporting them as they work towards their qualifications and establish their careers in the construction industry.”
