Pictured: Andrew and Ben join the Willmott Dixon team 

Willmott Dixon Partnerships has recruited two local apprentices at its Birmingham South branch as it continues with its pledge to leave a lasting legacy in the local area.

Ben Johnson and Andrew Billborough have joined the branch's carpentry and joinery team, in line with the company's policy of providing skills training for people in areas where it works.

The pair will be helping with Willmott Dixon's work supporting Birmingham City Council to maintain and repair its 26,000 properties across the south of the city.

Ben, 20 and from Tyseley, has joined Willmott Dixon as an apprentice carpenter, studying at college one day a week and working on site the other four. This is his first full time job since leaving college, where he studied roofing and plastering.

On a day-to-day basis his role involves, repairing kitchen units, hanging doors, erecting fencing as well incorporating all aspects of health and safety. He also gets to meet with tenants regularly and work in both occupied and unoccupied houses and flats across the city.

He says, "Although I enjoyed roofing and plastering at college, I really wanted to gain an apprenticeship with Willmott Dixon, and was really pleased to be successful in gaining one in carpentry. There is a lot of variety to both aspects of the job, every day I'm learning something different. The best bits are definitely learning a new thing every day and seeing projects through to the end."

Andrew, 16 and from Rednal, undertook some work experience with the branch last year through the company's Opening Doors scheme made a lasting impression on the team.

He is now training as an apprentice carpenter, but is hoping to become a multi-skilled tradesperson by studying general plumbing and going on a locksmith course in the future.  

He says, "I absolutely love my new job, every day is so different and varied, from fitting windows, to building frames and even assisting the emergency services in gaining access into properties. Every day I wake up and look forward to going to work!"

General Manager for Willmott Dixon's Birmingham south branch, Les Shortman, says, "Willmott Dixon is always keen to recruit from the local area, and leave a lasting legacy in Birmingham south. This is why we visit local schools and colleges regularly advertising our 'Opening Doors' scheme, offering local learners work experience placements and training. Andrew is a brilliant example of why this scheme works. Both Andrew and Ben impressed us with their enthusiasm and keenness to learn and we are really pleased that they are now joining our team."

Willmott Dixon Group is one of the UK's largest privately-owned capital works, regeneration and support services companies.

With over 158 years of experience, the company provides services within the built environment to Government, registered social landlords, local authorities and private sector clients throughout the UK.

Willmott Dixon Partnerships works with social housing landlords, currently providing support services to over 120,000 homes, 1,200 public buildings and 50 commercial properties across the UK.