Yorkshire youngsters kickstart their career in construction
Sustainable regeneration specialist Equans has welcomed 15 ambitious apprentices into new construction roles in South and West Yorkshire.
The apprentices have stepped into a range of roles, from business administration and quantity surveying to electrical, plumbing and joinery. Each will gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside skilled professionals, while attending college one day per week to develop the theoretical knowledge that supports their practical training.
Their work will support housing repairs, maintenance and regeneration projects carried out by Equans’s expert teams to social-rented homes across the region, in partnership with housing associations and local authorities including Rotherham Council and Leeds City Council.
One of the new electrical apprentices in Rotherham, 17-year-old Zachary Deardon, said: “Before starting my apprenticeship, I was studying a level three T level at Rotherham College while working part time in a shop.
“I applied to Equans again this year after missing out last time. The experience I had during the assessment day last year – meeting the team and other candidates - made me feel even more excited about the opportunity, so I gave it another shot and luckily, I got it.”
Kerri White, Head of Social Value at Equans, commented: “There is lots in the news about the shortage of construction workers and we’re pleased to be playing an important role in safeguarding trades, skills and expertise for the future.
“Our apprentices get hands-on experience alongside our experts right from the start and they can tap into a range of support from across the business. I know they’re all eager to get stuck in, and I look forward to seeing them flourish as their careers progress.”
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr John Williams said: “Rotherham Council is committed to ensuring the borough’s young people have the best start in life, something which is better achieved by working together with local partners.
“Apprenticeships are a perfect way to gain real-life industry experience whilst in paid employment and allow organisations such as Equans the opportunity to train local people to go on to improve our town using the knowledge and experience they have gained.”