Housebuilder transforming future workers with new academic programme

Avant Homes is aiming to help Yorkshire’s future workforce with a new apprenticeship scheme.

Addressing the skills shortage in the region, Wakefield’s Avant Homes is aiming to help young people obtain a career in the housebuilding industry through the new programme.

It will provide hands-on experience, taking skills learned during school and college and applying them to a work role.

Danny Gaunt and Lewis Galtress are two of the apprentices taking part in the scheme. The pair are studying Construction and the Built Environment, with Danny at Barnsley College and Lewis at Leeds College of Building.

Danny said: “I saw the apprentice scheme as a great opportunity to learn. I’ve had a lot of roles and responsibilities since starting with the company and I’ve worked across a number of different projects.

“It’s been really rewarding seeing my work contribute to the business and I’m really looking forward to continuing with my qualification right up to degree level with Avant.”

This Avant Homes scheme is based around learning and developing commercial skills, such as quantity surveying and buying, alongside technical competences including architectural and engineering.

Lewis added: “I’ve been involved in a range of projects with a team that has made me feel so welcome. Everyone has helped me with my work, and it means a great deal.

“After I’ve finished my apprenticeship, I’m hoping to continue within the housebuilding sector, and I’d like that to be with Avant.”