Devon construction apprentice urges others to grab the opportunity of an apprenticeship

Embarking on working life and a career during a global pandemic has been a huge challenge for thousands of young people in Devon, so to mark National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February 2021), a local apprentice with the nation's leading housebuilder is urging others to follow on his footsteps.

Dan Newberry, 24 from Plymouth, had been working through an agency as a labourer when he decided to apply for a carpentry apprenticeship with Barratt Homes. Five months in, he is now working at Lucerne Fields, Ivybridge, where he is helping to build a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes. Dan says he was surprised by how quickly he progressed once he started the apprenticeship,

"To start with, typically a day meant following my mentor, watching as they talked me through each task. Then I started doing some odd jobs myself and as soon as they saw my potential and that I got the hang of things I moved on to bigger tasks. I'm doing pretty much everything now, but I always have my mentor to check things with and support me if I have any questions."

Dan loves wild camping and woodcraft has always been his hobby, so he enjoys working in carpentry and being able to work outdoors.  After his apprenticeship Dan plans to stay with Barratt Homes to complete the next level of his training, with the aim of completing the assistant site manager course one day.

"I like the security you get when working with a leading housebuilder," he continues, "You're constantly learning and while it might feel like you're in at the deep end, you know you have people supporting you. Working with Barratt Homes means the opportunities are endless so once you're in you don't want to leave."

Barratt and David Wilson Homes currently employ 15 apprentices across Devon and Cornwall will soon be recruiting for another four apprentices to start in August this year. Apprenticeships are available to people who have just left school or college, those looking for a new challenge or even those who have already started working towards a career in house building.

Apprenticeships are important in helping to address the current skills shortage in the construction industry. The average age of a construction worker in Devon and Cornwall is 55, with more people leaving the industry for retirement than new people joining.[1]

Asked what he would say to anyone considering an apprenticeship in the future, Dan said:

"Do it! Straight away. When I was younger I struggled to find work, but if I knew about these apprenticeships then I would tell myself to grab the opportunity. I've not only learnt a lot of skills to do with carpentry that will set me up for the future, but I've also developed my personal skills, like being patient, becoming more confident and having a positive outlook."

Huw Llewellyn, managing director, Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter, added: "Despite the enormous challenges of the covid pandemic, the construction sector is hugely important to the UK economy and to keep delivering much-needed new homes. So we are proud to have continued to take on apprentices like Dan this year. Their enthusiasm and thirst to learn is inspiring and a real boost for everyone they work with. As the nation's leading housebuilder we are absolutely committed to sharing opportunities and skills and developing new talent."

To find out more about apprenticeship programmes with Barratt Homes, visit https://www.barrattcareers.co.uk/early-careers/apprentices/trade-programme

To find out more about Lucerne Fields, Ivybridge, or to book a virtual or in person appointment, visit barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 3558 491.