Pictured: Redrow apprentice Daniel Kettland
As Prime Minister David Cameron urges more business to take on
apprentices, one trainee bricklayer from Cannock has begun building
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 Daniel Kettland, 16, from Cannock, who is combining
'on the job' experience at Redrow's site in Telford, 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
Daniel divides his time between studying at Stafford College,
where he is working towards a level 2 NVQ in bricklaying, and
working on Redrow's new Trenchwood Gardens site in Telford.
He follows in his dad and grandad's footsteps who both work as
bricklayers.
Just a few weeks in, Daniel is already relishing the work
experience. He said: "My dad and granddad are both in the
housebuilding trade so it's something I've always had an inertest
in and they've given me lots of support. I'm learning a lot on site
and looking forward to becoming a fully qualified bricklayer."
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.
Redrow also offers graduate and under-graduate work placements.
To find out more about the training offered visit:
www.redrowplc.co.uk/Careers-And-Recruitment/Apprentices.