Pictured: Jordan Hames, trainee quantity surveyor, joins Partner Construction and will work alongside his father, Andy

With the skills deficit in construction being one of the sector's most prevalent topics, local developer and contractor, Partner Construction Ltd is helping to bridge the gap with the appointment of a trainee quantity surveyor.

The Leicester-based affordable housing specialist has appointed 16 year old Jordan Hames into the business. Jordan joins Partner directly from Guthlaxton College, Wigston following his success in attaining 11 GCSE's and is the second generation of his family to work for the company, his father Andy is the current regional director. 

"I've always taken an interest in my father's work so when it came to deciding on a career path, it seemed an obvious choice to find out more," explained Jordan. "A lot of my friends were looking at A level options but I didn't feel it was for me, so I talked to Dad and we began looking at day release college courses I could study whilst doing a full-time apprenticeship. I have already commenced my college training and hopefully I will have the opportunity to progress within Partner, which has taken me on as their first apprentice in the region!" He added. 

Jordan will be based in the company's Leicester office and will be mentored by senior project surveyor, Roger Jenkinson. His apprenticeship will have a heavy bias towards surveying but will encompass all disciplines within the construction business including design, technical and sales together with on site experience and general office administration. This will be supplemented by day and night release at Leicester College, Freemans Park Campus where he will complete a Building Studies National Certificate Apprenticeship CITB + NVQ course.

Andy Hames, regional director commented: "I am obviously immensely proud that Jordan is joining Partner, especially during its first year of business as he will be able to see firsthand how it develops. There are a lot of opportunities for career progression within this industry and Jordan has the right attitude and work ethic to succeed. In addition, his training mirrors my own very closely, so not only am I confident the combination of academic and practical experience will serve him well but I can also engage in healthy competition over results!" 

Partner Construction was established in April 2011 and has offices in Enderby, Leicester and Spennymoor, County Durham. Specialists in the provision of affordable housing, Partner works closely with Registered Providers (RPs), local authorities and councils to develop sustainable communities.