APPRENTICES now account for almost 10% of Stewart Milne Homes’ workforce, the housebuilder revealed at the start of Scottish Apprenticeships Week.
The firm described their contribution as becoming ‘increasingly vital’ as the construction industry grapples with skills shortages. Around 30 apprentices are now employed by the group.
Working in a variety of trades including bricklaying, joinery, plumbing, electrical and painting, Stewart Milne Group apprentices receive both practical and theoretical training to gain the knowledge, skills and experience required to progress in the sector.
With multiple routes available, Stewart Milne Homes provides a four-year trade apprenticeship for school leavers and a two-year Fastrack programme for those looking to develop their careers into more managerial positions.
Karen Catto, Stewart Milne Group HR director, said, “Apprentices are vital to the growth of our business. We have been committed to attracting and developing apprentices for over forty years and, as a result of this commitment to a clear, visible career path for them, we benefit from high apprenticeship retention rates.
“The willingness to learn and specialise in a particular trade is a testament to how hard each individual works and their motivation. It’s vital that we provide a well-rounded education for each apprentice to thrive in, while also emphasising how important they are to our operations. We provide an excellent framework and environment for our apprentices to develop the skills required to build our new range of spacious, quality family homes and develop our innovative and sustainable approach to place-making.”
Stewart Dalgarno, director of innovation and sustainability at Stewart Mile Group, added, “As the focus on sustainability in our industry intensifies, it’s vital that we attract and develop apprentices who bring fresh ideas and creativity to solving the challenges we face in achieving net-zero in our own operations and in the homes we design and build.
“Timber is a zero-carbon material and has been long recognised for its use in building design and continues to be crucial for modern methods of construction. This is a great option for a long-term career and an exciting time for apprentices to be working within the construction industry.”
Anyone interested in becoming an apprentice at Stewart Milne Homes should email careers@Stewartmilne.com with a copy of their CV.
