Background:
Oliver joined the construction industry straight from school as he knew he was ready to join the workforce and learn skills outside the classroom. He began working at a building yard and during his three years there completed a scaffolding apprenticeship.
As Oliver explained “I started out straight from school and was grateful to have the chance to get out on site, so I really gave it my all. I enjoyed my job, but I wanted more of a challenge so I went for a trainee managers job to see if this was something I could do and really push myself to do better.”
Building a broader skill set:
Created in collaboration with industry experts and leading housebuilders, the Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor (CSS) apprenticeship offers dedicated online learning days that cover a range of modules, including health and safety, construction technology and effective communication on site.
Oliver said “The apprenticeship really went into detail on everything I needed to know. It was comprehensive and has given me so much knowledge, from health and safety to developing my people skills so I can help the people I’m working with deliver great results.”
Supporting the next generation of home builders:
Apprenticeships are a particularly effective route into industries like construction as they balance study with hands-on experience. Time on site gives apprentices the opportunity to put what they have learned into practice with the support of their employer.
Oliver told us “I would say I got the most out of my apprenticeship and encourage any new apprentices to listen to and learn as much as you can from your team. I got great support from my employer; my Contracts Manager and Construction Director were both supportive in my day-to-day work and helped me set targets to improve and develop my skills.”
Caitlyn Brown, Group Future Talent Pastoral Coordinator and Safeguarding Lead at Bellway Homes said “We are all proud of Oliver’s hard work and commitment to his apprenticeship. His excellent result reflects the hard work and determination he has shown over the past year. As the construction industry faces a significant skills shortage, employers must provide supported routes into the sector that help people build confidence and establish long-term careers. As with Oliver, we can see how apprenticeships can play a crucial role in this both at the start of someone’s career journey as well as offer an excellent way to develop new skills and capabilities, supporting people to progress professionally.”
Constructing a long and rewarding career:
Oliver has now completed his apprenticeship and proudly passed with a distinction. He is still working on the same site where he completed his apprenticeship and, once this is finished, he will start work on the region’s flagship site as an Assistant Site Manager.
We asked Oliver what his plans for a career in the home-building industry are. He said “I would like to progress in my career as quickly as possible. Eventually, I want to be a fully-fledged Site Manager and keep moving up the ladder so that one day I can become a Construction Director. I feel like this apprenticeship has given me the next step in a great industry where I will have the chance to fulfil my potential.”
