Housing Provider Launches Apprenticeship Scheme
An affordable housing provider has launched an apprenticeship scheme aimed at producing the next generation of building workers.
Housing Provider Launches Apprenticeship Scheme
Mulbury Homes had 12 construction-based placements in the pipeline for this year, having already provided opportunities for 11 apprentices. All successful candidates will be given a placement on the Constructing the Future Lancashire scheme. The scheme is being run by the Calico Group, with them working on all of Mulbury Homes’ projects in the North West.
Training
The successful students will be trained in specialist manual trades such as bricklaying and joinery, in an attempt to improve the number of youngsters starting out in the construction industry.
Isaac Walker is an apprentice joiner on one of the Mulbury Housing schemes. He said that he is enjoying the “diversity of the role,” which means he is “developing new skills every day.”[1]
Greg Mullin, Director at Mulbury Homes, said: “It’s well-documented that the construction industry is experiencing a shortage in the number of skilled workers available as the sector continues recovering.
“Apprentices can help plug those skills gaps and give us our workforce of the future which is why we’re committed to supporting young people into the industry through our apprenticeship scheme.”[1]
Discouraging
Christian Bury, Managing Director at Harbour Construction, who are one of the main contractors of the scheme, said that too many young people were getting pressured into attending university. Bury said: “Attending university has become routine for getting a foot on the career ladder, so it can be quite discouraging for young adults who want to enter a career in construction via vocational education.
“Through this partnership with the Calico Group and Mulbury Homes we’re easing the skills shortage by providing youngsters with the training needed to succeed in the construction sector.
“The apprentices we’re supporting have made strong progress so far and we are looking forward to welcoming more trainees on board.”[1]
[1] http://www.housingexcellence.co.uk/news/mulbury-launches-apprenticeship-scheme