L-R: William Davis Homes scaffolders Liam, Riley and Cole McManus
Climbing the ladder to success for National Apprenticeship Week (5th – 11th Feb).
A family of scaffolders says a housebuilder’s award-winning apprenticeship scheme is providing a platform to build successful careers.
Five members of the McManus family are scaffolders with Loughborough-based developer William Davis Homes, with several reaching new heights thanks to the company’s apprenticeship scheme.
Cole McManus (20) recently completed an apprenticeship with the company, while cousin Riley (18) is in the second year of his apprenticeship.
Scaffolding is certainly in the family’s DNA, with Cole’s brother Taylor (22) and dad Liam in the trade, as well as Liam’s two brothers.
“My Dad was also a scaffolder so it definitely runs in the family,” said Liam, who has worked for William Davis for more than ten years. “It’s a great company to work for. The training that’s been provided for both Cole and Taylor has been excellent.”
Cole received special praise at the company’s recent apprentice awards event, after completing his three-year course in just two years. He received an award from William Davis Homes Managing Director Guy Higgins.
“My Dad has been a great support, I’ve learned so much from him,” said Cole. “The apprenticeship scheme has been brilliant. For example, at college I learned about all the health and safety regulations. The whole thing has set me up for a lifelong career.”
Riley is also following in the footsteps of his dad Shaun by working in the trade. “I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship and learning on the job,” said Riley. “I like being active and working in a team.”
The Head of HR at William Davis Homes, Rebecca Jones, said the company is proud of its apprenticeship scheme, which has been running for more than 50 years.
“The scheme provides us with great talent and helps our business to develop and retain skills which are in short supply,” said Rebecca.
The company’s apprenticeship scheme has won a number of awards in recent years. It delivers exceptional apprentices in a range of key trades including bricklaying, joinery, plumbing and electrical installation. The company also has technical trainees, such quantity surveyors.
The traditional training scheme gives the opportunity to ‘earn and learn’ while gaining a professional qualification and creating a life-long career. A large proportion of the current workforce started as William Davis Homes apprentices.
