National Apprenticeship Week takes place this week, celebrating apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Since the extensive redevelopment of Bath Riverside began in 2011, apprentices from Bath and North East Somerset have been honing their skills on site, working on the largest regeneration project in the South West under the guidance of Crest Nicholson Regeneration.
The apprenticeship scheme is part of an interagency partnership to boost employment opportunities for local people.
Crest Nicholson Regeneration have employed 14 apprentices working on the scheme.
17-year-old Jordon Hodge from Twerton has been on site for six months and is currently studying for his NVQ Level 2 in carpentry through the City of Bath College.
He says that his apprenticeship has helped him to hone his existing skills and learn new ones.
He said: “Before I started my apprenticeship I was working as a labourer on a building site. I decided that I enjoyed working on site, but that I wanted to learn more and develop my own skills.
“Being able to earn as I learn has been great for me and I would recommend it to anyone considering a career in construction.”
Ronan Sawyer, 18, is also working towards his NVQ Level 2 in carpentry. He is following in the footsteps of his brother Callum who completed his apprenticeship at Bath Riverside in 2012.
Ronan said: “I left school before working in carpentry for a private firm, but I decided that I wanted to get my qualification to allow me to work on site and open up more options for me.
“Being able to work with a well-known house builder has been brilliant. I’m learning new skills working on the biggest building project in the city – it’s a great experience.”
Fareen Lalani, Development Executive for Crest Nicholson Regeneration added: “Everyone at Crest Nicholson Regeneration has been really impressed with the energy, enthusiasm and skill of our apprentices.
“Apprenticeships are an extremely important part of the construction industry, helping to build a well skilled workforce for the future.”
