Member Article

First Ark apprenticeships build careers and neighbourhoods

A North West social business’s apprenticeship scheme is building careers and neighbourhoods, as a Huyton architectural technician can vouch for.

James Jones was 16 when he was awarded an apprenticeship by Liverpool practice, John McCall Architects, and initially funded by Merseyside-based First Ark Group, which enabled him to combine work with his studies.

James began his apprenticeship during the height of the recession, but despite the downturn in the economy – which had a massive impact on the construction industry – First Ark and John McCall Architects continued to support the young trainee.

And, eight years after his journey started, James, now 24 is an architectural technician. He has had the opportunity to work with a wide number of different clients, including Knowsley Housing Trust – part of the First Ark group – on schemes close to his family home.

Joanne Mountfield, associate at John McCall Architects, said: “Looking back, James’ apprenticeship couldn’t have come at a worse time for the construction industry.

“However, thanks to the initial funding of the apprenticeship by First Ark, we made a commitment to continue this on so James could fulfil his career ambition.

“As a business, we are very keen on supporting and nurturing local talent, and have a proud reputation of taking on trainees and apprentices whenever we can.

“James is a real success story. The investment has paid dividends for us, James and the local community where he lives and works.”

Tony Cahill, executive director of First Ark Group, said: “Social impact and social value is at the heart of First Ark. We work with – and invest in – local people and local businesses so people can fulfil their ambitions.

“In James’ case it was to train to become an architectural technician, and thanks to John McCall Architects, he has achieved that. We are delighted that his hard work and dedication has been rewarded.

“It’s been a lengthy journey, but the outcome is that John McCall Architects now have a brilliant young architectural technician in their employment, one who is home grown and is contributing to the local economy.”

James Jones said: “I’d like thank John McCall Architects and First Ark for putting their trust in me all those years ago and supporting and encouraging me along the way.

“Apprenticeships give people fantastic opportunities and I wish there were more companies willing to offer them.

“Thanks to this one, I have been able to build a career whilst helping build local neighbourhoods.”

First Ark fund a number of apprenticeships within the building and construction industries each year.

First Ark apprentices benefit from earning the National Minimum Wage and gaining valuable experience while studying for their qualifications. First Ark’s commitment to apprenticeships is further demonstrated by the company’s pledge to ensure a minimum of five per cent of the trade workforce are apprentices.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about First Ark’s apprenticeship scheme can visit https://www.firstark.com/work-for-us/our-apprenticeships for more information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Watts .