To celebrate the 10th National Apprenticeship Week, which starts on Monday (March 6), Alan Mak MP has been meeting apprentices who work at David Wilson Homes’ development in Havant.
The apprentices, who work at One Eight Zero at Bedhampton Hill, cover a range of skills including bricklaying and carpentry/joinery and met the MP at the Havant Jobs, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair.
The Fair is organised by Alan and is now in its second year after a highly successful inaugural event last year.
Alan said: “David Wilson Homes has been a huge supporter of the Jobs Fair, which this year has 60 exhibitors offering over 850 jobs and apprenticeships at Havant Leisure Centre. We’re fortunate to have low unemployment locally, but we should never be complacent and should be aiming to get everyone into work, an apprenticeship or training. I am also keen to showcase some of the excellent employers we have locally, like David Wilson which exhibited last year.
“A strong local economy is my top priority, and more jobs means rising living standards, growing investment and successful local businesses.”
David Wilson Home Community liaison manager Anthony Dimmick said: “We’re extremely proud of our apprenticeship scheme and the talented team members that have passed through it and stayed with the company over the years. There is often discussion over the lack of skills within the industry, but we feel we’re playing a small but vital part in addressing this gap and setting up our staff for years of success.
“We want to invite anybody with an interest in construction to consider applying for one of our apprenticeships and help us build our award-winning new homes.”
David Wilson Homes is part of Barratt Developments and the apprenticeship programme sees learners work on an assigned development in the region for part of their working week, as well as taking part in classroom-based learning at a local college.
This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme is Ladder of Opportunity focusing on the progression routes of apprenticeships, from traineeships through to higher and degree apprenticeships.
For more information about apprenticeships, undergraduate and graduate opportunities, please visit Barratt Developments’ recruitment website at www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk
Picture: Alan Mak MP with local apprentices from David Wilson Homes at the Havant Jobs, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair