Leading housebuilder Barratt Homes are continuing their award winning Barratt Academy apprenticeship programme with the recruitment of eight young apprentices this autumn.
The eight young lads, aged 16-18, will work and train with Barratt Homes as electricians, joiners, bricklayers and plumbers at various venues across the North of Scotland whilst attending college in the local area.
Aiming to develop tradesmen with skills and knowledge beyond the requirements of standard apprenticeships, the project takes four years to complete and combines on site and classroom-based learning to achieve a level 3 National Vocational Qualification.
This year’s apprentices are Scott Cruikshank from Old Meldrum; Bradley Fraser from Ellon; Andrew Shuttleworth from Balmedie; Matthew Williamson from Shetland; Liam Duthie from Westhill; Ryan Morrice from Aberdeen; Miller Knowles from Foveran and Conor Dickie from Newmachar.
Liam Duthie, one of three apprentice joiners, has said: “My Grandfather was a joiner and so I have always been interested in the trade. I am keen to keep working within the Aberdeenshire area and the Barratt Homes Apprenticeship Programme allows me to do so.
“The help and support offered is great and I know that after completing my four-year apprenticeship I will have the necessary knowledge and skills for a profession within the construction industry.”
David Stewart, Construction Director at Barratt Homes North Scotland, oversees the development of the apprentices in North Scotland: “It’s great to see young people interested in employment in the building and construction sector which is set to experience massive growth in the coming years. The industry offers a wide range of lucrative career opportunities; yet, it is calling out for new talent.
“We are actively working to build a strong workforce for the future, which is why we have placed such great importance on developing our excellent apprenticeship programme.”
Many of Barratt Homes’ apprentices have progressed to senior roles within the organization and at present, at least six former apprentices are operating as site managers, construction managers and development coordinators at Barratt North Scotland.
Speaking of his time with the company, Kevin Urquhart, construction manager at Barratt North Scotland, said: “I joined as an apprentice joiner when I left school 19 years ago. After completing my apprenticeship and working on the tools for a further two years, I progressed into management roles, starting as a site foreman in 2001.
“I am now construction manager, and as well as completing my apprenticeship I have had the opportunity to complete qualifications in site supervision, site management and construction management. This shows that learning a trade opens many doors, and Barratt Homes’ apprenticeship scheme offers a pathway to countless opportunities to progress as a tradesperson and as a management professional.”
Interested in applying to Barratt Academy?
Visit www.buildingcareerstogether.co.uk.
