GMI Construction Group has added three new apprentices to its current 12-strong cohort as it continues to develop a new generation of talent.
The expanding company is committed to creating apprenticeships and delivering educational and training opportunities, the importance of which is underlined by Senior Site Manager Andy Rainger and Project Manager John Sandison – who between them have 88 years’ experience within the industry.
Andy, who started out as an apprentice joiner, said: “I was lucky to have such a good start and it was this that has allowed me to climb up the career ladder.
“You can’t beat a young person with the hands-on experience that an apprenticeship provides. They learn that they can’t cut corners, and everything must be right; It’s this grounding that stands them in such good stead.
“This industry needs new people with talent who know the construction game and can progress to become the managers, quantity surveyors and designers of tomorrow. It’s a wonderful industry to work in and I recommend it to any aspiring youngster.”
John added: “I began as a bricklayer at the age of 16 and put myself through night classes to get further qualifications before starting in site management and working my way up.
“The construction sector has definitely improved over the years in terms of health and safety, quality, and opportunity, and I see a lot more women coming into the industry which is great.
“GMI offers good opportunities for anyone wishing to progress. I’ve worked for a few companies over the years, and I wish I’d joined GMI earlier. It’s not only a growing company but a great company to work for.”
Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group, which has offices in, Teesside, Leeds, Birmingham, and Manchester, added: “This is a company that understands and values training and apprenticeships and recognises the need to encourage young people to join the industry.
“From apprenticeships to undergraduate work placements, GMI offers a wealth of learning and development opportunities to bring on the next generation of talent that will take this business forward.”
GMI Construction Group already counts major companies and brands, including Tritax Symmetry, St Modwen, Scarborough Group, Graftongate, St James Securities, The Alumno Group, Opus North, HBD, Peel Land & Property, Muse, Legal & General, and Evans Property Group as clients. It is forecasting an annual turnover in 2022 in excess of £350m and has already secured £300m worth of opportunities.