BLOOR HOMES CELEBRATES ITS APPRENTICES
Apprentices at Bloor Homes enjoyed a fantastic graduation ceremony in Northamptonshire
Bloor Homes celebrated the graduation of its apprentices last week from its developments across the UK.
15 Apprentices from bricklaying and carpentry trades were presented with their Advanced Apprenticeship certificates which recognise the achievement of an NVQ Level 3 in their chosen trade.
The 15 who attended the graduation were among the 165 apprentices recruited by the national housebuilder across its seven regions since the Apprentice scheme was launched by the company’s owner, John Bloor in 2014.
Each of the apprentices splits their time between working on Bloor Homes developments and attending their local college.
Those who have demonstrated outstanding skills and commitment during their apprenticeship have been selected to continue their career path with Bloor Homes. Others plan to continue to work in their trade or make the move towards site management.
The graduation was held in Northamptonshire and each of the apprentices and their families were invited to a lunch attended by Divisional Chairmen, Regional Managing Directors, Regional Construction Directors and the Regional Apprentice Masters.
The overwhelming message from the apprentices at the ceremonies was one of pride and a sense of achievement at having completed their qualification.
Divisional Chairman Andrew Marns said, “We believe the Bloor Homes Apprentice Programme is second to none in the industry.
“10% of our current employed workforce are apprentices, which demonstrates the significant commitment we have made in addressing the skills shortage of the construction industry. We are incredibly proud of the apprentices’ achievements.”
Bloor Homes also employs 21 Trainee Site Managers, some of whom started their careers as Bloor Homes apprentices.
Bloor Homes’ commitment to this programme is a fundamental part of the company. It continually invests in its people by providing training pathways, leadership courses and offering trainee positions to those who are looking to build a career in the industry.
The company’s long-established values and excellent build quality ensures that all the trainees are able to have a sense of pride in every aspect of their role.
Divisional Chairman Gary Crisp concluded, “In an approach that differs from other housebuilders we also employ 18 Apprentice Masters who are recruited to teach and mentor the apprentices, to give them the necessary skills to become craftsmen on its construction sites.
With the help and guidance, they have received from their Apprentice Masters, the apprentices not only gain a trade skill, but invaluable life skills.”