Apprentices begin training with William Davis Homes

Five new apprentices have joined William Davis Homes, as they start to learn their trades on site.

The Loughborough-based housebuilder has welcomed a new intake of apprentices every year since the 1970s. 

This year’s intake includes a scaffolder, two bricklayers, a joiner and an electrician, all from Leicestershire, bringing the total number of apprentices currently training with William Davis to 35.

Among the new starters is 19-year-old Joshua Jordan, an electrical installation apprentice from Coalville. 

His older brother Jack completed a joinery apprenticeship with the company and now mentors new trainees. 

Joshua said: “I wanted to become an apprentice because I’ve seen how well Jack has progressed in his career with William Davis, and I would like to be able to have the same opportunities as him. 

“Doing an apprenticeship gives me the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience to build on my academic training, and I can earn a salary while learning.”

Bricklaying apprentice George Harriman, 16, from Bagworth, added: “I’m looking forward to learning good techniques and being able to look back at my work proudly. 

“I have really enjoyed being on site over the past few weeks, I’ve learned a lot with my mentor already and we have a good laugh.” 

Each apprentice is paired with a mentor, often a former William Davis apprentice, to guide them through their learning and development.

In addition to on-site training, apprentices attend college regularly to study their trade in a classroom setting. 

William Davis also celebrates apprentice achievements with an annual awards event in November, recognising one outstanding trainee as Apprentice of the Year.

Guy Higgins, managing director of William Davis Homes, added: “The skills shortage in construction is well documented and we're proud to be playing our part to address this with our apprenticeship programme.

“In an industry where directly employed tradespeople is a rarity, our business thrives on having its own pool of home-grown talent, and we remain committed to keeping that pipeline of trainees coming through.

“We all look forward to seeing our class of 2025 developing their skills and careers with us in the years ahead.”

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