Apprentice awards for Redrow trainees
Young people who are the future lifeblood of the housing industry have been picking up plaudits from their employer Redrow Homes.
Chloe Boon, 18, a trainee plumber from Bristol, and 20-year-old apprentice joiner and carpenter Curtis Taylor, from Bolton, have won national ‘apprentice of the year’ awards for year 1 and year 2+ respectively.
They beat off competition from other Redrow apprentices around the UK.
Redrow is committed to training youngsters in a variety of trades and offers apprenticeships in bricklaying and plumbing, plus carpentry and joinery; combining on site experience and college based training to secure industry-recognised NVQ Level 2 or 3 qualifications.
The company currently employs 25 apprentices throughout England, Wales and Scotland, with a further 50 identified to start in September.
Richard Beadsmoore, training manager for Redrow, said: “We believe that apprentices are the future lifeblood of our industry and it’s important that the achievements of outstanding individuals are recognised.
“All our apprentices gain the knowledge, skills and experience they need to fulfil a career in the housebuilding and construction industry. It is a job with good future prospects, whether as self-employed tradesmen and women running their own business or progressing within the sector to eventually become a site manager and beyond.”
Year 2+ winner Curtis Taylor is the perfect example of how an apprenticeship can provide the foundations for a successful career in housebuilding. Fresh from winning his title and gaining an NVQ Level 3, he was taken on as a Redrow trainee assistant site manager in Chorley, Lancashire.
Said Curtis: “It’s brilliant; I was really pleased to win the award and getting the chance to work towards eventually becoming a site manager is even better.
“I’d really recommend an apprenticeship to anyone wanting to get into the building industry. I wanted to do it straight from school but couldn’t get a place so I worked in retail for a year while I waited for the opportunity. It’s proved to be well worth the wait.”
Chloe’s success is proof that apprenticeships in the building industry are just as appropriate for young women as men. She scooped her award after impressing Redrow while working towards an NVQ Level 2 in plumbing and her technical certificate.
Said Chloe: “I’ve already done so much in my first year and it’s been great to have the opportunity to put my new skills into practice. Initially I thought it might be tough being the only girl on site but I get on well with everyone and we all support each other.”
Redrow presented ‘highly commended’ awards to second year carpentry and joinery apprentice Peter Grimes, 25, in Plymouth, and first year apprentice Jamie Brookes, 17, also training to be a carpenter and joiner, in Lichfield, Staffs.
The 2010 recruitment window for new apprentices is now closed but those interested in future intakes can register their details and get further information at redrowplc.co.uk.
