Back Row, Apprentices Standing – Jacob Smith, Eyal Butcher, Danny Chaplin, Oliver Mudge, Joe Moore, Gavin Moore, Addison Clements, Kyle Bush – Middle Row – Hugh Brennan (Health and Safety Manager), Abbie Beeres (HR Assistant), Gary Long (Apprentice and Electrical Manager) – Front Row, Apprentices sitting – Ben Crumbie, Ferdie Smith, Malakai Shepherd-Aldridge, Riley McManus
Twelve new trainees have joined William Davis Homes’ award-winning apprenticeship scheme which is helping to counter skills shortages in the construction industry.
The latest recruits include joiners, scaffolders, bricklayers, electricians and plumbers – bringing the total number of apprentices at the Leicestershire-based firm to 40.
Over the years the company’s long-standing scheme has helped hundreds of entrants to launch their careers in housebuilding, creating precious opportunities for young people.
According to the Construction Industry Training Board, there has been a sharp drop in the number of college leavers entering the sector. However, the story is different for William Davis Homes who have had a record number of applications for their scheme this year.
Gary Long, William Davis Homes Apprenticeship Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming twelve new trainees onto our apprenticeship scheme. Apprenticeships are vital to our business as we strive to develop home-grown talent from the local area, which enables us to support our workforce as we continue building quality homes across the Midlands.
“Despite a skills shortage in the industry, we had a record 280 applicants this year which is very encouraging and further cements our reputation as a local employer of choice. Getting onto the scheme is a real achievement.
“We are looking forward to supporting this new intake and watching their skills and careers develop over the next few years. These apprentices are, without a doubt, the future of our company.”
William Davis Homes’ apprenticeship scheme has gained widespread recognition for delivering exceptional apprentices. It has received a National Housebuilder Award, a Leicester Mercury Award, CITB Apprenticeship Awards and East Midlands Business Insider Awards. It also won the Skills and Apprenticeship Scheme Award at this year’s East Midlands Property Dinner.
The traditional training scheme gives the opportunity to ‘earn and learn’ whilst gaining a professional qualification and creating a life-long career. It was established in the 1960s and a large proportion of the current workforce started as William Davis Homes apprentices.
