Exeter apprentice wins prestigious award

Barratt apprentice Luke Wooding has been named as the best in the country by the house builder. The 19 year old has won Barratt’s Apprentice of the Year Award, beating off competition from Barratt apprentices around the UK. The talented apprentice, who is just starting the third year of his electrical apprenticeship clinched the title for his fantastic contribution on site at the King’s Heath development, positive attitude and because he is consistently neat and tidy.

Alan Knowles, Barratt’s construction director, said: “Luke received the award because he is hard working and is a great team player always willing to help out. He also gets on very well with purchasers – so much so that customers have written in to commend his service. He consistently achieves high standards and we are very proud of him.”

Earlier in the year Luke was recognised by the Exeter regional office of Barratt for his efforts at King’s Heath. Regional winners were entered to win the Group title, with the judges picking the Exeter-based apprentice.

Luke, who was born and lives in the Exeter area, received £1,200 total prize and was delighted with his award: “It’s great to be nominated and to win. I’ve worked hard at Exeter College and gained nine A grades last year and am aiming for similar in my third and final year.

“I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship - it’s given me valuable skills and experience, particularly as I’m given responsibilities and have to work under pressure to meet deadlines,” said Luke. A keen biker, he has put his winnings towards buying a brand new motorbike.

For nearly ten years, Barratt has partnered with local training colleges throughout the region offering an apprenticeship scheme to train students specifically within different construction trades including bricklaying, carpentry, electrical as well as trainee surveyors.

The homebuilder develops the talents of the apprentices, generally accommodating one per development. They are employed by Barratt with day release in order to attend college one or two days a week, depending on their course.

“It is crucial that construction course students like Luke gain valuable practical experience in their trade,” continued Alan Knowles, construction director at Barratt.

“Students must submit a portfolio of their work experience, so it’s essential that they learn their skills first hand and apprenticeships offer an excellent opportunity.

“Would-be apprentices are linked to CITB-ConstructionSkills and must apply to us in writing. We are always oversubscribed as there are limited spaces on the scheme.

“It is important for the course members to understand that the building industry has high standards and there are some excellent opportunities for candidates with the right abilities, commitment and enthusiasm for the job.

“The students will have a clearer understanding of the technical side to each trade - where numeracy and literacy are very important skills to have,” added Alan.

Apprenticeships will take up to three years, the time spent on site with Barratt depending on the trade and the duration of the course.

The apprentices will be working on Barratt’s developments across Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.

For further details log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.