Part of the Etc.
Giving young people a step-up into their future career is rapidly becoming part of the culture at 2020 Group Construction.
The property development company has taken on eight Stockton Riverside College apprentices in areas including joinery, bricklaying and painting and decorating.
As far as the bosses are concerned this is not meant to be just a short term deal.
“We want to help grow future talent for the business,” said Projects Director, John Hartnett.
“It’s not just a case of them coming to us for two years to complete their apprenticeship, we want to help train them up to potentially work with us for years to come.”
Investing heavily in Middlesbrough, Coventry-based 2020 is currently developing 30 student flats and 30 apartments in the Linthorpe Road area of the town.
With plans to convert a further 300 flats in the pipeline over the next two years, John said it made sense to open a regional office and tap into local skills.
As well as employing skilled tradespeople from the surrounding area, the company has been able to provide employment opportunities for up to 11 apprentices, from Stockton Riverside College and a selection of other apprenticeship providers.
The company is also now looking at plans to introduce a rolling work experience programme for full-time construction and trade skills students at the college.
“There is nothing like getting real site experience when it comes to developing your trade,” said John.
Site Manager Arshad Ali added: “Bringing together skilled builders and apprentices provides the students with real experience and working with building materials that you just don’t get in the classroom.”
Paul Addison, 24, from Middlesbrough, is among the Stockton Riverside College apprentices to have secured work at the site.
Having completed joinery qualifications Levels 1, 2 and 3 at the college, he said: “It’s great to be able to put the skills that we have learnt into practice. Having that knowledge and going to college has helped us to get this opportunity. Being on site is a totally different experience.”
Fellow apprentice and Joinery student, Adam Lynch, 19, from Stockton, said: “Working on site really helps to develop your skills and builds your confidence.”
Stockton Riverside College’s Course Leader for Trade Skills, Kevan Stephenson, said: “Seeing eight of our students secure apprenticeships is a fantastic achievement and is testament to their hard work. They will now continue to develop their skills and build experience in a real working environment.”
The property development company has taken on eight Stockton Riverside College apprentices in areas including joinery, bricklaying and painting and decorating.
As far as the bosses are concerned this is not meant to be just a short term deal.
“We want to help grow future talent for the business,” said Projects Director, John Hartnett.
“It’s not just a case of them coming to us for two years to complete their apprenticeship, we want to help train them up to potentially work with us for years to come.”
Investing heavily in Middlesbrough, Coventry-based 2020 is currently developing 30 student flats and 30 apartments in the Linthorpe Road area of the town.
With plans to convert a further 300 flats in the pipeline over the next two years, John said it made sense to open a regional office and tap into local skills.
As well as employing skilled tradespeople from the surrounding area, the company has been able to provide employment opportunities for up to 11 apprentices, from Stockton Riverside College and a selection of other apprenticeship providers.
The company is also now looking at plans to introduce a rolling work experience programme for full-time construction and trade skills students at the college.
“There is nothing like getting real site experience when it comes to developing your trade,” said John.
Site Manager Arshad Ali added: “Bringing together skilled builders and apprentices provides the students with real experience and working with building materials that you just don’t get in the classroom.”
Paul Addison, 24, from Middlesbrough, is among the Stockton Riverside College apprentices to have secured work at the site.Having completed joinery qualifications Levels 1, 2 and 3 at the college, he said: “It’s great to be able to put the skills that we have learnt into practice. Having that knowledge and going to college has helped us to get this opportunity. Being on site is a totally different experience.”
Fellow apprentice and Joinery student, Adam Lynch, 19, from Stockton, said: “Working on site really helps to develop your skills and builds your confidence.”
Stockton Riverside College’s Course Leader for Trade Skills, Kevan Stephenson, said: “Seeing eight of our students secure apprenticeships is a fantastic achievement and is testament to their hard work. They will now continue to develop their skills and build experience in a real working environment.”
