This National Apprenticeship Week, Barratt Developments North East is celebrating the success of five new apprentice roles which were created as part of Barratt’s continued aim to support local employment and develop talent in the construction industry across the North East.
The leading housebuilder recruited five new trade apprentices last year, specialising in bricklaying or carpentry and joinery, to work across its developments in the North East region.
One of the new apprentices, Kai Richmond, began training with Barratt late last year. Kai, who is 19 years old, is a Level 2 Joinery apprentice based at the Burton Woods Development in Spennymoor. Kai has now stepped onto the career ladder and is on his way to reaching his overall goal of becoming a Site Manager, thanks to his Apprenticeship with the housebuilder.
Kai commented: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that Barratt Developments have given me; it has allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge whilst working and earning, something that would not have been possible by undertaking a degree. I highly recommend Barratt’s apprenticeship scheme to anyone who is looking to pursue a career within the construction industry. I’m looking forward to my future with Barratt developments and developing my career within the company once I have completed my apprenticeship.”
Scott Lester, Construction Director at Barratt Developments North East, said: “The construction industry is continuing to grow and this is an exciting time for anyone with an interest in housebuilding to join a market leading company. As one of the country’s top developers we are absolutely committed to developing raw talent and I believe that we have a duty to provide these kinds of apprenticeship opportunities. This year our goal is to recruit six new apprentices in the North East, and almost 150 in total across the country, so it’s great to be part of National Apprenticeship Week. With a wide variety of roles and great career opportunities available I’d encourage any young person to look at joining our team.”
The introduction of the National Apprenticeship Levy in April of 2017 has helped to promote the idea that apprenticeships provide an alternative route to traditional education. The full cost of training and assessment will be funded from the Barratt and David Wilson Levy contributions.