UK first as apprentices build new scout hut in Devon

To celebrate the 10th National Apprentices Week (March 6 – 10), home builder Barratt has announced a unique community project at its development in Cullompton.

The new scout hut at Saxon Fields will be built entirely by apprentices covering a range of skills including bricklayers, site management and carpentry. It will be the new home for Cullompton Scout Group and leaders James Buczkowski and Sarah Wyatt said it will transform the organisation which has 60 members in three age groups.

The new centre will also give the group the opportunity to open a second Cub pack and Explorer Scout section.

Situated in the middle of the development, the complex will feature a meeting room, a large hall for events, a kitchen and toilet facilities. It will be traditionally built with a tiled roof and rendered brickwork and should be finished by the autumn.

Barratt managing director Paul Moran said: “Often youngsters are involved in only part of a scheme. But here they have had the opportunity of seeing how a project develops from start to finish and consequently they’ll be able to take real pride in their accomplishments. We believe it’s a UK first which is a real credit to everyone involved.”

The project was the initiative of Projects Manager Jason Gower who said: “The whole project has been great for morale and our apprentices have responded brilliantly to the challenge with real commitment and enthusiasm.”

The theme of this year’s National Apprentices Week is ‘Ladder of Opportunity!’- focusing on the progression routes of apprenticeships, from traineeships through to higher and Degree apprenticeships.

Building on its commitment to secure three million apprenticeship starts by 2020, the government reports 624,000 apprenticeship starts since May 2015.

In the Exeter region Barratt are looking to recruit four apprentices across a range of skills. Paul said: “Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Our apprenticeships provide the perfect foundations for a career in the construction industry and we will be focusing on ensuring apprentices successfully complete their programmes and enter the industry as qualified tradespeople or trainee site managers to address the current skills shortage.”

Barratt Developments’ apprenticeship programme sees learners work on an assigned development in the region for part of their working week, as well as taking part in classroom-based learning at a local college.

Andy George, head of talent management at Barratt Developments, said: “We are a big supporter of National Apprenticeship Week. Over the past six years we have employed more than 500 apprentices, so they are a big focus for us in our recruitment.

“Our successful apprentices go on to have amazing careers with us and they play an important part in developing our talent of the future. By learning and providing new skills they help us to meet the future challenges of the housebuilding industry.”

For more information about apprenticeships, undergraduate and graduate opportunities, please visit Barratt Developments’ recruitment website at www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk