Member Article

Local housebuilder marks National Apprenticeship Week 2016

Barratt Developments Yorkshire West, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, has commenced its search for the next stars of the industry, with the launch of its apprenticeship programme for 2016 which coincides with National Apprenticeship Week (14th - 18th March).

The move, which will see the leading housebuilder take on five new apprentices as part of it’s ‘Future Talent’ Programmes, further demonstrates the Barratt’s commitment to developing industry talent. It follows recent community work with the local Notre Dame College in Leeds, which saw senior Barratt team members deliver seminars on careers within construction.

The launch of the 2016 scheme strengthens Barratt’s reputation for excellent staff progression, with a number of departments in the company boasting senior team members that have risen from entry level positions. Within the housebuilder’s commercial department, four members of staff have progressed up the ranks from entry level positions, while a further apprentice is set to be appointed later this year.

In addition, the construction department of Barratt Developments currently boasts 12 apprentices, with a further four bricklayers and joiners expected to be appointed as part of the 2016 intake, whilst in the technical department, numerous staff members have enjoyed comprehensive Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) training since starting at the company. Richard Wielding, who joined Barratt three years ago as a trainee, has now progressed through HND qualifications, something all apprentices within the department are currently undertaking, and is now Technical Coordinator within the team.

Ian Ruthven, Managing Director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire West, commented:

“We’re extremely proud of our apprenticeship scheme and the talented team members that have passed through it. The success of our apprentices over recent years can clearly be seen and we’re thrilled that we can offer future stars of the industry that much needed first step in their career. Our policy is to ensure we employ bright young people who are determined to learn and strive to succeed, so through offering training, courses and education, we aim to train up all our apprentice staff to hopefully be managers and directors of the future. In a time where a lack of skills within the industry is much publicised, we feel we’re playing a small but vital part in addressing the skills gaps and setting up our staff for years of success.”

Barratt Developments’ Apprenticeship Programme has been recognised by industry bodies as the best of its kind in recent years including the CITB Apprenticeship Awards, the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, and National Apprenticeship Service’s BT Macro Employer of the Year Award.

National Apprenticeship Week, which starts on 14th March 2016, was set up by the Government’s National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

For more information on careers with Barratt Developments, please visit http://www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .