Apprentice joiner Jake Forrest has been gaining valuable on-site experience at one of Karbon Homes’ latest construction developments.
The 21-year-old from Sunderland has been working at Karbon for two and a half years while studying his apprenticeship at New College Durham.
Initially working with the repairs and maintenance team carrying out minor repairs and maintenance to tenants’ homes such as fixing doors and staircases, he has been rewarded with the opportunity to work on a live construction site as part of his personal development.
Jake has been working at Karbon Homes’ £2m development at Blencathra Way in Chester-le-Street, which is a new development of 20 family homes and two new-build apartments on a former care home site. Construction is being carried out by Galliford Try Partnerships North East.
He has already completed his Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Joinery and Carpentry and is currently studying the Level 3 Advanced course, which he will complete next year.
Jake commented: “I am very grateful to Karbon for believing in my ability and giving me the opportunity to learn at first-hand the joinery skills that are required on site.
“I have been helping to fit the roof trusses, internal staircases and completing the first fix in each home and it has given me really good experience.
“I have learnt so much these last few weeks working on a live construction site, it has given me even more determination to complete my apprenticeship and prepare me for full time employment.
Jonathan Fletcher, Jake’s manager at Karbon Homes, said: “Jake has been a valuable member of the team ever since he first started working for the company and has shown real determination to learn new skills and demonstrate his willingness to succeed.
“He is a confident young man and has been very professional while working in tenants’ homes. We felt he was ready to gain even more experience by working on site and our contractor, Galliford Try Partnerships North East, was more than happy to accommodate him.”
Jake continued: “It’s been a really enjoyable experience and I am learning something new all of the time. I just want to gain as much experience as possible to prepare me for the future and Karbon Homes has given me that opportunity.”
Site Manager, Dave Curry, added: “We are pleased to have Jake working with the team. He is committed and enthusiastic and we hope this experience will enhance his training.”
The development of 22 new affordable homes to rent at Blencathra Way is due to be completed in August.