Switched on electrical apprentices set for bright careers

Construction firm Gus Robinson Developments is continuing its commitment to apprentices as its latest recruits complete their trade training.

The Hartlepool-based business has a proud record of developing young people with more than a quarter of the firm’s current employees originally joining as apprentices or trainees.

The latest to graduate are electricians Stevie Whitehouse and Dominic Laffin, who completed an NVQ Level 3 qualification in electrical installation at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

Dominic and Stevie, who are both 21 and from Hartlepool, are now looking forward to long and fulfilling careers at Gus Robinson Developments.

Dominic said: “It’s an enjoyable place to work because there is such a tradition of developing apprentices through the business. The support and advice is always there because so many of the staff started themselves as apprentices.”

Stevie added: “We have been here for three years and it’s been great to get practical experience while completing our qualifications. We have been involved in all sorts of jobs on construction sites, homes, commercial properties and schools.”

Gus Robinson Developments has already offered apprenticeship terms to a further four trainee electricians and intends to increase this year’s intake from the 11 apprentices recruited in 2013.

The business, which specialises in domestic and commercial construction projects across the North East, has recruited hundreds of apprentices in its 38 year history.

Approximately 95% of apprentices stay with the firm following their apprenticeship and many have risen to senior management positions including the company’s financial director, company accountant and senior quantity surveyor.

The latest recruit to rise through the ranks is trainee estimator Danny Guffick, 26, who started at Gus Robinson Developments as an apprentice electrician.

Danny, from Hartlepool, has already completed an HNC qualification in Electrical Engineering, funded through the business and is now working towards a degree in the same subject at Teesside University.

Dave Cutler, electrical manager at Gus Robinson Developments, said: “It’s fantastic that we are able to develop and progress so many promising young people, especially as they are from the town and are contributing back into our economy.

“We have a great relationship with Hartlepool College and they share our ambition and belief that apprenticeships benefit not just the individual, but businesses, industry and the economy as a whole.”