Member Article

Coventry firm continues commitment to supporting next generation

A Midlands developer and contractor is continuing its commitment to supporting the next generation by taking on a trio of young professionals.

Deeley Group has welcomed three new members to its team based at George House on Coventry Business Park.

Tom Jeffrey has joined as a trainee quantity surveyor, Jack McQuillan as a trainee site manager and the Group has also brought on board Denisa Zaharie as a PR and marketing intern.

Tom, 17 from Earlsdon, is undertaking a Level 3 extended diploma in Construction in the Built Environment at Royal Leamington Spa College alongside his role, funded by Deeley Group.

He said: “I came to Deeley on work experience last year and decided I would like to become a quantity surveyor during that work placement. I’m looking forward to learning more about the role.”

Jack, 16 from Stivichall, is completing the same course as Tom and also joined the company after a successful work placement from school.

He said: “After coming here on work placement I developed an understanding of the company, liked the people and was really pleased to then get a job here. My dad is a plasterer so I’ve always hoped to work in construction. My plan is to keep learning and hopefully move up the ladder at Deeley Group.”

Denisa, 21 from Romania, is studying Media and Communications at Coventry University and will be working closely with the marketing team on content creation and planning.

She said: “This is a great opportunity for me to learn how to apply the skills from my studies to the real world. I hope to be able to evolve my own skillset during my year here, whilst also helping to support the expansion of the company’s profile.”

Deeley Group is a member of The 5% Club, a group of more than 250 employers committed to developing the skills of young people.

The new starters bring the number of trainees currently working for the Deeley Group on a full-time basis up to seven – with further existing staff members also completing a range of further learning programmes.

The company is therefore going above the 5% Club target by ensuring 15% of its workforce is supported via one of its training programmes.

Around 20 per cent of the firm’s existing workforce has come through a trainee, apprenticeship or graduate programme.

Matthew Lynch, Commercial Manager at the Deeley Group added: “We have a long-standing commitment at the Deeley Group to supporting the development of talented young people and we’re pleased to bring Denisa, Jack and Tom on board.

“I have taken this route through my career at Deeley and have seen my own development benefit from it.

“Jack and Tom will be following a similar path and it is fantastic they are looking to develop careers in construction, especially with the skills shortage continuing to be one of the biggest issues facing the industry.

“Denisa joins us for 12 months as part of her year-out from Coventry University and, in the short time she has been with us, has impressed with her ability and attitude.

“Despite the difficult economic landscape we face today it’s crucial that young people are given opportunities to thrive in the industry, and we look forward to supporting their development over the coming months and years.”

Deeley Group often supports local schools and colleges by placing school and college students on work placements, and also works closely with a range of educational institutions across the West Midlands.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .