Leading housebuilder, Barratt Homes, has brought fresh talent to the construction industry this autumn with the recruitment of eight young apprentices to its award winning Barratt Academy apprenticeship programme.
The eight young lads will work and train with Barratt Homes as electricians, joiners, bricklayers and plumbers at various developments across the North of Scotland while attending college in the local area.
The programme, which aims to produce tradesmen with skills and knowledge above and beyond requirements of a standard apprenticeship, takes four years to complete, combining on site and classroom-based learning to achieve a level 3 National Vocational Qualification.
This year’s apprentices are Scott Cruikshank, 16, from Old Meldrum, Bradley Fraser, 18, from Ellon, Andrew Shuttleworth, 18, from Balmedie, Matthew Williamson, 16, from Shetland, Liam Duthie, 16, from Westhill, Ryan Morrice, 16, from Aberdeen, Miller Knowles, 18, from Foveran and Conor Dickie, 16, from Newmachar.
Liam Duthie is one of three apprentices on the programme training to be a joiner. Speaking of the scheme, he said: “My grandfather was a joiner and so I have always been interested in the trade. I am keen to keep working within the Aberdeenshire area and the Barratt Homes Apprenticeship Programme allows me to do so. The help and support offered is great and I know that after completing my four-year apprenticeship I will have the necessary knowledge and skills for a profession within the construction industry.”
Construction Director of Barratt Homes North Scotland, David Stewart, oversees the development of Barratt Homes’ apprentices in North Scotland. Commenting on the new apprentice intake, he said: “It’s great to see young people interested in employment in the building and construction sector which is set to experience massive growth in the coming years. The industry offers a wide range of lucrative career opportunities, yet, it is calling out for new talent.
“We are actively working to build a strong workforce for the future, which is why we have placed such great importance on developing our excellent apprenticeship programme.”
Due to the success of the scheme, many of Barratt Homes’ apprentices have progressed to senior roles within the organisation. At present, at least six former apprentices are operating as site managers, construction managers and development co-ordinators at Barratt North Scotland.
Kevin Urquhart, 35, from Turriff, is currently the construction manager at Barratt North Scotland, overseeing construction work and customer services for the entire division.
Speaking of his time with the company he said: “I joined Barratt North Scotland as an apprentice joiner when I left school 19 years ago. After completing my apprenticeship and working on the tools for a further two years, I progressed into management roles, starting as a site foreman in 2001.
“I am now construction manager, and as well as completing my apprenticeship I have had the opportunity to complete qualifications in site supervision, site management and construction management. This shows that learning a trade opens many doors, and Barratt Homes’ apprenticeship scheme offers a pathway to countless opportunities to progress as a tradesperson and as a management professional.”