Pictured: Andrew Billborough presents headteacher Mr Docherty with a plaque to mark the community project 

A recent Willmott Dixon Partnerships' recruit has become an inspiration to youngsters from Rednal hoping to break into the world of work.

16 year old Andrew Billborough was hired as an apprentice carpenter at Willmott Dixon's Birmingham South branch after the company visited Colmers School to promote careers in the construction industry.

Now he has returned to a careers day at his former school to provide encouragement to pupils and demonstrate how beneficial determination and work experience can be in gaining the career that you want.

He has also used his new skills to install a memorial plaque commemorating a community project which Willmott Dixon carried out at the school.

Andrew was motivated to explore different trades in the construction and maintenance industries after the company's previous visit and approached Willmott Dixon for a work experience placement.

He was able to gain a week of 'hands on' work experience through Willmott Dixon's 'Opening Doors' scheme, which aims to educate youngsters about trade based careers, and made a lasting impression on the team

Andrew is now training as an apprentice carpenter, but hopes to become a multi-skilled tradesperson in the future. He said, "A lot of my mates have gone to full time college, but I wanted to do something practical instead. I completed one week with Willmott Dixon and that made me realise that I wanted to be a carpenter and train with the company. When my mentor asked me to go to the careers day at Colmers with him, it sounded like a good chance to tell other people my age about jobs in the industry. 

"It was really strange when I went back to my old school, because so much has happened in the past seven months. I felt like a workman, when the last time I was just a pupil. It was really good to see my old teachers again and prove that you can be a success if you work at it. I think they were quite proud of me too." 

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 and now acting as a construction ambassador for the company, inspiring other local youngsters to explore the opportunities that are available to them."

Willmott Dixon Group is one of the UK's second 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 within the Group to deliver support services to over 120,000 homes, 1,200 public buildings and 50 commercial properties across the UK.