Apprentice joiners Liam Waterhouse and Ruaidhri Heath, alongside apprentice bricklayer Oliver Dexter joined us from secondary school in November 2022, alongside seven other construction apprentices.
Working directly with our partners Mears Group, they are able to gain the on-the-job skills needed to progress in their chosen career. We were able to broaden those skills through additional partnership working with new build developers Oaktree Living.
The three apprentices spent time on our new build bungalow development site Elizabeth Gardens, Spennymoor, and experienced installing roof trusses, wall studding, framing, and joists work as well as cavity wall construction in brickwork and blockwork.
Clare Johnson, Development Manager said: " We all are aware of the current skills shortage within the construction industry and are delighted to be working collaboratively with our development partners creating opportunities to provide apprentices with the skills and experience they need to obtain their qualifications."
Stewart Pears, Contract Manager, Mears said "Recruiting and retaining good people is difficult in the current market so getting three apprentices of this caliber is a real success. Liam, Ruaidhri, and Oliver have been a great fit, they all have a strong work ethic and willingness to learn to increase their skills. Their mentors who have done a fantastic job supporting their progress express the same amazing feedback we have received from Oaktree Living"
Anthony Elliott, Site Manager, Oaktree Living said "Being from a trade background myself I understand the true value of apprenticeships and where they can lead. So, it was a great pleasure to welcome Liam, Ruaidhri, and Oliver into the Oaktree Living family. From what I have seen of their time with us the three of them have everything they need to go on to have long careers within the construction industry and maybe they will think about taking the next step and become the next generation of site management. "
Photo left to right: Liam Waterhouse, Clare Johnson, Ruaidhri Heath, Anthony Elliott and Oliver Dexter.
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Developments