Saxon Corner apprentices

Member Article

Hampshire development welcomes local apprentices

A new development in Emsworth, Hampshire, is helping local apprentices to carve out careers in construction in time for the start of the new academic year.

Leading housebuilder, Barratt Homes has welcomed two new apprentices to its Saxon Corner development as it continues to work closely with Havant Borough Council to provide local training and development opportunities.

Max Bradley, 17, has been taken on as a carpentry apprentice at the Emsworth site so he can gain some vital work experience, and said: “I’ve been interested in carpentry for a while and I’m so excited to be offered the work placement with Barratt Homes. I can’t wait to get started and see all that’s involved in building new homes.”

Also joining as a bricklaying apprentice is John Pettitt, 32, who having worked on building sites previously, wanted to add to his skills in construction. He said: “To be offered this training opportunity is amazing. I’ve worked on building sites before but as apprentice, I really feel like I’m going to learn so much and get a real insight into the construction industry.”

Saxon Corner is bringing 138 homes to Emsworth. As well as providing homes for local people, the development is also providing opportunities for apprentices to work towards nationally-recognised qualifications.

The five star house builder is encouraging a new generation of workers into construction in partnership with Havant Borough Council. Through an employment and skills plan, the developer and its sub-contractors will recruit and train local people and provide career advice in local schools.

Anthony Dimmick, Barratt Homes Community Liaison Manager is delighted that the housebuilder can offer these apprenticeships to young people in the local community. He said: “It’s extremely important that we work in tandem with the communities where we are building new homes, and by working closely with schools and the local council, it’s wonderful that young people like Max and John are able to start their careers in construction here in Emsworth.”

Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Cabinet Lead for People and Organisation Development at Havant Borough Council said: “Many construction workers were furloughed during the pandemic including apprentices just beginning their careers. It’s great to see that apprentices working on sites in Emsworth and Waterlooville have finally gone back to work.

“Jobs, training and apprenticeships were made available for local people through an employment and skills plan agreed by Havant Borough Council and Barratt Homes on both these sites.

“As part of the agreement - and when restrictions allow - Barratt will be visiting schools in the borough to teach younger children about the career opportunities within the construction industry.

“Working in partnership with industry, we can grow our skills levels and provide opportunities for our residents to re-skill or engage in work experience and enter employment that is vital for the economic prosperity of the borough.”

Thanks go to Portsmouth Carpentry and Alee’s Brickwork, who have been instrumental in training the new apprentices at Saxon Corner.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .

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