Member Article

Housebuilder applauded for ground-breaking apprentice scheme

A ground-breaking construction project built entirely by apprentices has seen Barratt Homes win two awards in one night.

The housebuilder was crowned winner of the ‘Community Contribution of the Year’ category at The News Business Excellence Awards on Friday and apprentice Pete Wilson was also named ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

Both award entries related to Barratt Homes’ innovative community centre project at its Nursery Fields development in Havant, Hampshire. There, apprentices from all trades came together to build a new community centre to benefit residents of all ages.

The project, thought to be a UK first, gave them the unique opportunity to work on their own construction project from start to finish. Working together they spent seven months building the centre, which features a hall able to seat 80 people, a meeting room, kitchen and outdoor space.

The £260,000 building, funded by Barratt Homes as part of its commitment to the community, has proven popular with residents and it is currently home to Brownies, Scouts, play groups and exercise classes.

Tim Hill, managing director of Barratt Homes, said: “Creating a positive impact in the communities that we work in is an absolute priority for us so we’re delighted to be recognised with this award. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the benefits the community centre project has brought not just to local residents, but to our apprentices too.”

Pete Wilson, who worked on the community centre project was also crowned winner of the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category at The News Business Excellence Awards.

It’s not the first time Pete, 25, has been recognised for his achievements. Last year he was crowned Barratt Homes’ apprentice of the year, beating off stiff competition from hundreds of others across the country.

He said: “The apprentice of the year category was one of the most hotly-contested and there were so many worthy winners, it’s an absolute honour to win. Promoting apprenticeships as an alternative career path is something I’m passionate about so I’m hoping to use winning this award as an opportunity to shout about how great they are.”

Tim Hill added: “We’re all very proud of Pete and to have his achievements recognised outside the company as well as internally is fantastic. He’s a prime example of how our staff are committed and go the extra mile to exceed expectations.”

To find out more about the project visit http://www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk/apprentices-and-trainees/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .