13th June 2022
Apprentices and Local Employment
It is great to see our Contractor partners supporting SCF values regarding Apprenticeships and Local Employment.
Name: Angus Boyd
Role: Groundwork Apprentice
Company: Gworks Construction
Project: Northgate Yard (through SCF Construct)
Angus joined us on Northgate Yard initially as a construction Tlevel student form Bridgwater and Taunton College. He did a three-week placement with our groundworkers Gworks Construction where he discovered his passion lay in the onsite/trade aspect as opposed to the management. He has since been enrolled on an apprenticeship with Gworks Construction where he will continue working on Northgate Yard to gain his qualification to become a fully qualified groundworks engineer.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
After starting the Tlevel I realised full time college didn’t really appeal to me. I much prefer to be on site “hands on” learning new skills and being a part of the team on site.
What do you like about the apprenticeship route?
I really enjoy working outside in the fresh air, meeting new people, working in a team. The best part is the variety of different jobs which allows me to do something different every day.
What kind of things do you do on the project?
I get to have a go at most things but most recently I have been working on laying concrete, helping with drainage, preparing for the concrete slab, assisting with excavations as well as a bit of carpentry, tanking and general earthworks.
Do you recommend the apprenticeship route?
Absolutely, being able to work pretty much full time alongside learning gives me the freedom to earn some money but also put into practice what I get taught in college. I get to spend time with different people from other trades to site management and its great for confidence building.
Name: Ben Wood
Role: Labourer
Company: ITS/Willmott Dixon
Project: Northgate Yard (Through SCF Construct)
Ben is also working on the Northgate Yard project in Bridgwater as a labourer through ITS Recruitment. Ben, who lives in Bridgwater, was introduced to ITS after being supported by charity Key4Life, whose aim is to reduce youth reoffending and to guide those at risk of offending. After working to get his CSCS card, he was able to start work in construction which is something he had always wanted to do.
Who are Key4Life?
Key4Life is a charity whose mission is to reduce youth reoffending through the delivery of an innovative rehabilitation programme to young people in prison and individuals at risk of imprisonment. The charity’s objective, with employer and mentor support, is to reduce reoffending by helping the rehabilitation journey of the individual to become fully imbedded back into society helping communities become sustainable supporting the city’s economic growth preventing poverty across the city; promoting good mental health and wellbeing.
How did working with Key4Life help you?
I was introduced to Key4Life whilst out with some friends at the pub. I met Liam, who works for Key4Life, and he told me all about the support they could offer. I had been doing drugs and drinking quite a lot – I was generally getting into trouble around town. I had been working in warehouses but I knew I wanted to work in construction and with the support of Key4Life, I was able to turn my life around for my son and begin gaining experience through ITS and Willmott Dixon.
Why did you want to work in construction?
I always wanted to work in a trade. My step dad is a plumber so I knew I wanted a career like that. I have a little boy and I wanted to be a role model for him and to show him that you can succeed even after having a few issues in the past.
Why did you want to work in construction?
I always wanted to work in a trade. My step dad is a plumber so I knew I wanted a career like that. I have a little boy and I wanted to be a role model for him and to show him that you can succeed even after having a few issues in the past.
What have you been doing since you have been working on site?
Well I started recently as a labourer on site and have been lucky enough to have the backing of their Build Manager Mark, who helped me develop in the role as well as being there for me when I needed support. I have been doing a bit of everything from helping the groundworkers to general labouring. I have also been assisting with the finishing of the cinema and I look forward to bringing my son over to show him what I have been a part of.
