Local housebuilder Barratt Homes is helping to support young people in Kent to start their career in the construction industry via its apprenticeship scheme. The latest recipient to benefit from the programme is Joshua Brick, 20, who began his eighteen months trade apprenticeship in carpentry at the housebuilder’s Richmond Park development in Dover.
Joshua joined the Barratt Kent team in August 2021, and is due to complete his course in the summer of 2023. The apprenticeship will see Joshua work with a number of contractors at Richmond Park in order to develop his construction skills, where he will eventually specialise in carpentry.
Joshua comments: “Unlike other programmes currently available for young people, Barratt offers hands on training and real experience of working on a live site, which I have really benefitted from. I have found that the dual aspect of attending college each week as well as working with a variety of people onsite has been a great balance to the apprenticeship.
“I am enjoying being involved in the creation of new homes in Dover, as well as learning about the technical side of construction. The scheme has been crucial in helping me to develop my own skills, alongside setting me on a career path that will last beyond my training. Following my time here, I hope to stay with Barratt Homes in the future and continue to build my career.”
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Kent said: “Our apprenticeship schemes offer first-hand support to school-leavers as well as those interested in changing career paths into the construction industry. We offer a real mix of classroom-based study and real-life training for our apprentices, and coaching and mentoring is a core component of our ethos. Joshua is a great asset to the team at Richmond Park and we look forward to supporting him to enter a career in carpentry and joinery.”
Joshua is currently supporting ongoing construction at Richmond Park. “My favourite part of my role is the diversity in a day’s work,” he says. “There is always a lot going on and alongside the opportunity to specialise and excel in my skills, I can learn from different members of the team to help understand the construction sector. House building is an exciting industry to be in right now, and I am looking forward to continuing my role at Richmond Park into 2022.”
Barratt Homes won Best Places to Work Employees Choice 2020 and offer a range of schemes through their Higher & Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 4-6). Other apprenticeships offered include the Armed Forces Programme, which recognises the unique skill set that former members of the Armed Forces can bring to the construction industry.
To find out more about Barratt Homes’ apprenticeship schemes, please visit Barratt Careers: https://www.barrattcareers.co.uk/early-careers/higher-degree-apprentices.
Prices at Richmond Park start from £312,995 for a three-bedroom family home.
For further details about Barratt Kent or the new homes at Richmond Park, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 355 8498.