Pictured: Redrow's new apprentice Matt Ball, 17, from Worcester

AS Prime Minister David Cameron urges more business to take on apprentices, one trainee carpenter has begun carving a career in the new homes industry, thanks to a national apprentice scheme by housebuilder Redrow.

In a speech to the Conservative Party conference, Mr Cameron urged employers to "give us the apprenticeships this country so desperately needs".

Step forward Matt Ball, 17, from Worcester, who is combining 'on the job' experience with a college course, which will see him gain industry recognised qualifications.

A total of 24 promising youngsters have been taken on by Redrow this year across England and Wales, adding to the 50 who were taken on last year. Indeed, the housebuilder is believed to have one of the best apprentices to employees ratios (1:16) in the industry.

Matt divides his time between studying at Worcester College of Technology, where he is working towards a level 2 NVQ in Carpentry, and working on Redrow's Earls Park site in Worcester.

Just two weeks in, Matt is already enjoying the work experience. He said: "I'm really enjoying getting real on site experience. I'm doing a wide range of jobs and I like the fact there is a good variety and I do something different every day."

After searching for an apprenticeship for a year, Matt feels fortunate he secured one with one of the UK's leading housebuilders. He added: "I'd been looking since I left school and was really pleased when Redrow said they'd take me on."

Redrow believes apprenticeships are a key component for maintaining a skilled workforce and thus securing a successful future for the house building industry.

Karen Jones, HR director for Redrow, says: "We received hundreds of applications for our apprentice scheme this year and have selected some very promising candidates, who are motivated to learn and keen to forge a long term career in the industry.

"It's vital we continue to invest in our apprentice scheme as they are our skilled workforce of tomorrow. Redrow's success has been built on people who take a real pride in their work so our customers can enjoy living in homes built by quality craftsmen.

The Redrow apprenticeship programme combines paid work experience and an NVQ completed over three years.

Apprentices are placed with an experienced and trusted sub-contractor, where they can learn the skills required to do their chosen job whilst working on Redrow developments and also going to college one day a week. They are offered in the core trades of bricklaying, woodcraft and plumbing.

Candidates are asked to register with CITB Construction Skills (CSkills) and must take and pass the CSkills Skills Learning Exercise (SLE) in order to be considered for an apprenticeship. The SLE tests applicants on their understanding of practical information they are likely to require on a building site, such as measurements and drawings, etc.