Bloor Homes has welcomed the next generation of housebuilding talent to its ever-growing ranks.
The developer has recruited 35 new apprentices across the country this year, including three in the Eastern region.
The housebuilder’s annual intake of budding young bricklayers and carpenters continues to increase year on year, and there are now 86 apprentices on the company’s books.
Apprentice bricklayers Kenneth Hammond and Connor Carlin have joined the ranks at Bloor’s Mill Heath development in Martlesham, along with carpentry apprentice Jack Knights.
The two bricklaying apprentices are learning the ropes under the guidance of their dedicated apprentice master Steven Bird, a position which was introduced by the company’s owner John Bloor in 2014.
They are both studying for a two-year Level 2 NVQ in construction and spend one day a week at Suffolk New College in Ipswich. If they impress they can then progress towards a Level 3 qualification and a potential route into site management.
Kenneth, 17, from Nacton, said: “I have been on my uncle’s building sites before, but Mill Heath is a big step up for me. It’s a very organised site which makes working there very enjoyable. You learn so much more by being on site.
“There is a very flexible working environment. Steven and the other brick layers have taught me different ways to get around any problems, so I get the most out of my work and have a more rounded knowledge of the industry.”
Connor Carlin, 16, from Ipswich, did work experience with Bloor before joining the apprenticeship scheme.
He said: “I was very excited to have the chance to join the team as an apprentice and learn more about the industry.
“It’s very rewarding to see how quickly your skill set grows. By transferring the theory and skills you learn in college into the building site I started to appreciate how far I have come in such a short period.
“I’ve already gained a lot of confidence with my time at Bloor and I’m looking forward to kick-starting my career in the housebuilding industry.”
Stewart Scripps, Construction Director at Bloor Homes Eastern, said: “With the demand for new homes continuing to increase, and the construction industry facing a skills shortage, it is absolutely vital that we invest in the housebuilders of the future.
“At Bloor Homes we are extremely proud to be doing our bit to develop the next generation of bricklayers and carpenters, and we are delighted to have increased our apprentice intake once again this year.
“Our apprenticeship scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for young people wanting to pursue a career in construction, and equips them with the skills and knowledge they will need to be successful.
“Our apprentices benefit hugely from having a dedicated apprentice master on hand to provide advice and support, and this is something which makes our scheme particularly attractive to those entering the industry.”
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