Birkenhead housing developer Lovell showcased its work building the next generation of construction workers during National Apprenticeship Week.
Joinery student Finlay Hughes has just completed a week of valuable industry experience on site with Lovell at its Fiveways major housing regeneration programme in Rockferry.
Finlay, 18, says: “Spending time on site has enabled me to use the skills I’ve learned at college and put them into practice. The atmosphere is completely different to being at college, it’s more hectic with a lot more going on. Having this kind of experience means I’ll know what to expect when I get my first job.” During the week, the Level 2 Joinery Diploma student worked alongside qualified trades people installing skirting boards, hanging doors and fitting locks.
The placement was arranged through Lovell’s long-term partnership with Wirral Metropolitan College, which has enabled 23 students to benefit from supervised work experience with the Lovell team building new homes at Minshull Way.
“It gives students a taste of their chosen career and helps shape their college studies, showing them the kind of thing they will be doing if they work in the industry,” said Gemma Hill, the College’s Work Placement Officer. “It’s been a really successful arrangement for us and we are very grateful for Lovell’s support in providing these placements which help the students develop their skills and decide in which direction they want to go.”
Wirral Metropolitan student Alix Esclapez, 19, is also completing a placement on the Fiveways site, work-shadowing the site management team. “It’s been great to get experience on site,” said Alix, who is studying for a BTEC Level 3 qualification in construction management and the built environment. “There are things that I’m studying as part of my course such as sustainable construction and health and safety which I’ve now seen put into place on a real-life development.”
Lovell Regional Training Coordinator Paul Woby comments: “Lovell has always believed in doing everything we can to attract young people into construction and create the skilled workforce needed to support our own continuing success and the industry as a whole.
“The ongoing skills shortage and impact of Brexit make this even more of a priority. Working with Wirral Metropolitan College to support students and give them the chance to see the opportunities available to them is also an important part of our commitment to bringing a wide range of benefits to the communities where we build.” Lovell in the North West has trained over 120 apprentices over the last five years directly and through the company’s supply chain partners.
Pictured above from left to right are: Finlay Hughes, Lovell regional training coordinator Paul Woby and Alix Esclapez.
