Photo – Alan Mak MP meets Barratt apprentices at Havant’s Nursery Fields development
Local MP Alan Mak has welcomed homebuilder Barratt Homes' decision to hire and develop local apprentices. Speaking at the end of National Apprenticeship Week, Mr Mak praised Barratt for their willingness to take on young local trainees.
Barratt Homes, who are currently undertaking a development of new homes at Nursery Fields, Denvilles, central Havant, has a strong record of employing apprentices and providing on-the-job training for local youngsters hoping to pursue a career in construction.
At the centre of the development, construction is currently underway for a state-of-the-art Stride community centre for Denvilles – built exclusively by Barratt apprentices. The centre will be a hub for local residents, transforming the area into an area rich in community infrastructure and facilities.
On 12 February 2016, Havant MP Alan Mak visited the Barratt development at Nursery Fields alongside Housing Minister Brandon Lewis. The site is a prime example of the potential that apprentices can provide to local businesses. Mr Mak and Mr Lewis were given a tour of the development featuring a range of three, four and five bedroom houses designed in-line with the Government’s Help to Buy scheme.
Mr Mak said: “Barratt Homes are a great example of a local business that’s investing in young people through their apprenticeship schemes. Let’s celebrate the outstanding contribution made by apprentices to Havant’s economy and community.”
Barratt community liaison manager Anthony Dimmick, said the company’s apprenticeships provide the perfect foundations for a career in the construction industry. “Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular and we’ve seen that first-hand, with the number of young people applying for our apprenticeship programme rising year on year.
“Nationally we have recruited 780 graduates, undergraduates, apprentices and trainees in the past three years of which 480 were apprentices,’’ he said. “ By September 2016, we will have around 450 apprentices and trainees currently on a programme, which represents 7.5% of the direct workforce.”