Carpentry masters at Bloor Homes to pass on their skills to new apprentices in the construction industry.

Housebuilder Bloor Homes has taken on a team of carpentry apprentice masters to prepare its new recruits for a career in the construction industry.

The privately-owned developer now has dedicated carpentry apprentice masters in each of its seven regions across the country, passing on their knowledge and experience to young apprentices on site.

It follows the successful introduction of bricklaying apprentice masters to the company’s growing apprenticeship programme, which now has 86 apprentices on its books.

Andrew Scripps and Paul Abbott are the two carpentry apprentice masters for Bloor’s Eastern region.

The pair, who both live in Ipswich, have worked as self-employed carpenters on Bloor sites for the past 28 years.

Andrew, 54, said: “There is a shortage of skilled carpenters so programmes like this are so important. Having dedicated apprentice masters is a great idea. It means we can constantly monitor the progress of the apprentices and ensure they are learning correctly.”

Paul, 52, said: “It’s a real privilege to be one of the first apprentice masters for the Eastern region. We have got four fantastic apprentices and it’s a pleasure to be able to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of carpenters.”

Among the apprentices learning their trade under Andrew and Paul is 19-year-old Adam Overett from Ipswich.

He said: “I enjoy working outside and being hands on and the apprenticeship is going really well. It’s great having Andrew and Paul there to ask for advice.”

Joe Frost, 18, from Chelmondiston, said: “I started off doing a full-time college diploma in carpentry and the apprenticeship is so much better. Paul and Andrew are really experienced and I’m learning so much from them.”

Ben Coe, 18, from Ipswich, said: “The apprenticeship is really hands on and I’m absolutely loving it. Andrew and Paul are very helpful and I’m hoping that I can carry on with Bloor as a sub-contractor.”

Jack Knights, 16, from Ipswich, who is in the first year of his apprenticeship, said: “When I finished school I was looking for an apprenticeship and my dad said Bloor was a good company to work for. The apprentice masters are really helpful and I feel like I’m learning a lot.”

Stewart Scripps, construction director for Bloor Homes Eastern, said: “Having a member of staff on site whose role is entirely dedicated to training our apprentices is hugely beneficial for their progress and underlines our commitment to producing the skilled housebuilders of the future.

“After recruiting our bricklaying apprentice masters in 2014, our apprenticeship programme has gone from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be rolling out this position for our growing number of carpentry apprentices too.”