Those interested in starting a career in construction at one of the South West’s largest new community developments are invited to apply, with 30 bricklaying apprenticeships available at Sherford. Working with Devon-based contractor, Steve Hoskin Construction and as part of the Sherford Skills Training Scheme, the successful apprentices will play a significant role in building some of the 5,500 new homes in the new South Hams community.
Lasting two years, apprentices will gain valuable practical experience of working on a large construction site, as well as learning about key building practices such as health and safety, onsite communication and project management. Successful candidates will also attend City College Plymouth on a part time basis, working towards achieving a Bricklaying Level 2 Diploma and NVQ 2.
The Construction Industry Trading Board (CITB) is leading the recruitment process, with the support of City College Plymouth. Throughout the apprenticeship, candidates will be supported by onsite teams, teaching staff, as well as a dedicated CITB Apprenticeship Officer.
Those interested in applying must be aged 16 or over, with a positive and enthusiastic approach to work and training in college, and must be able to work safely and responsibly. Successful applicants are expected to start on site in September 2017.
Launched in 2015, the Sherford Skills Training Scheme has already successfully employed several apprentices in various trades, including bricklaying and carpentry. Led by the Sherford Consortium, the network of homebuilders responsible for the new town, the scheme has been designed to provide training, experience and long-term employment opportunities during every phase of the major new Plymouth and South Hams community’s construction.
With exemplary track records in engaging young people, City College Plymouth and partner, South Devon College are currently delivering the Skills Training Scheme programme. As part of their work, the colleges co-ordinate with local schools, agencies and the surrounding community on the latest employment opportunities available at Sherford.
Steven Ricketts, Sherford Skills Training Scheme Co-ordinator said: “As construction work has increased at Sherford, so has the need for skilled workers and this is a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of construction professionals.
“Combining practical experience on an active construction site and classroom learning, apprentices will have the chance to develop their skills at one of the largest and most innovative community developments in the country.”
Brian Deacon, Sales and Marketing Director, Sherford Consortium said: “Local people are playing a significant role in the construction of this major new community. In building a whole town from the ground up, Sherford provides training opportunities in every phase of the development, from initial groundworks to the substantial housebuild.
“The Sherford Skills Training Scheme is just one example of how apprentices can become involved in large scale developments, benefitting not just individuals but also the surrounding community, creating a lasting legacy for local people.”
Roy Imeson, CITB Strategic Advisor for Devon: “In collaboration with Sherford Training Scheme and City College staff, we hope to recruit up to 30 apprentice bricklayers to help address the local skills gap. They will play a key role in creating a superb new housing development whilst working alongside and learning from highly skilled workers, including Plymouth based firm, Steve Hoskin.
Our new selection process includes a hand skills audition within a workshop, as well as an interview, with the apprenticeship lasting for two years to 2019. This approach is designed to motivate local people, providing them with the chance to demonstrate their skills and enthusiasm for the role and employment. This is the ideal opportunity for those looking to learn and develop professionally, whilst working on one of the region’s largest community construction projects.”
Cllr M Hicks, Leader South Hams District Council’s Lead Member for the new Town of Sherford: “We strongly support the apprenticeship scheme for Sherford - it is really important to the commercial activity in the area and is helping to fill a shortage of specifically trained labour. At South Hams we have connections with both the City College and South Devon College. Their drive to provide practical courses in a higher education environment is vital to help meet the commercial needs for our area”.
Applications are now open, and for those interested in finding out more information or applying please email: sricketts@cityplym.ac.uk and heather.hughes@citb.co.uk.
For those interested in finding out more about a career in construction, please visit: https://www.goconstruct.org/
For more information about Sherford and the Sherford Skills Training Scheme visit www.sherford.org.
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