Jessup Apprentices Share Their Experiences To Mark National Apprenticeship Week

Cannock-based developer Jessup Partnerships, who employ nine apprentices across a number of sites in the West Midlands, is marking National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the benefits of apprenticeship schemes across the construction industry.

Image- 000_0110 – (left to right) Site Manager Lewis Fereday with apprentices Eddy Grove and Hayden Thomas, and Mark Eustace Head of Health, Safety, and Compliance at Jessup Partnerships.

The developer is currently working towards its apprentice scheme for 2023-24 while working with its supply chain to maximise apprentice opportunities linked to its contractor and supplier base.

Two such apprentices are Eddy Grove, from Wednesfield, and Hayden Thomas, from Kingswinford, aged 17 and 18 respectively, who embarked on their journeys into the housebuilding sector in 2021 and are now in their second year of Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery at City of Wolverhampton College.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the apprentice carpenter/joiners, both based at The Royal development in Wolverhampton, share their experience working within Jessup Partnerships and how the apprenticeship scheme has kickstarted their careers.

Why did you decide to take the apprenticeship route?

Eddy: I was speaking to an existing employee about what the apprenticeships offered, and from that I knew how great it would be to allow me a pathway into working in the construction industry. 

Hayden: Jessup was mentioned to me as a developer who offered apprenticeships by the college - I went away and researched the how it would suit me, and soon understood that it would be a great long-term choice for my career.

What have you enjoyed about being an apprentice?

Eddy: During the apprenticeship, Jessup has placed me at many different sites and exposed me to a variety of different jobs, meaning I have picked up a much better knowledge of the industry. Because of this, we will be far more suited when qualified to deal with different scenarios as the solutions to problems will be easier to find.

Image- 000_0056 – Jessup’s current apprentices Hayden Thomas and Eddy Grove.

What have you learnt throughout your time as an apprentice?

Hayden: Working as an apprentice has allowed me to gain valuable experience on site, and put into practice the theory I have learned through the college part of the apprenticeship.

Eddy: I’ve built on existing knowledge and techniques and improved my practical skills. I’ve also had the experience of talking with other trades as well as the management teams on site which has enhanced my communication.

Would you recommend taking an apprenticeship if you are looking to get into this industry?

Hayden: Without a doubt! Studying a construction course at a further education college is obviously useful for learning new skills, but there’s no greater experience than working on site, which is what taking on an apprenticeship has allowed me to do.

Eddy: Yes, you get to meet and build up relationships with a number of subcontractors, so there are great networking opportunities across the industry. The hands-on approach as well as the college aspect means you can learn a lot very quickly.

How much more knowledgeable about your role and the industry do you feel after starting this apprenticeship?

Eddy: For me, I came into this apprenticeship as a complete novice and will be finishing with a lot more confidence in my skills and abilities in the role. I now understand the basic principles of site carpentry/joinery.

Hayden: I embarked on this journey with some existing domestic carpentry knowledge after working with my Dad for a while. This apprenticeship has helped me to develop these skills, but learn more about work on site and the various processes required.

Chris Timmins, Managing Director at Jessup Partnerships said, “We view apprenticeships as the way forward both as a sustainable business and for the future of the housebuilding industry.

“It’s great that we have nine apprentices whose skills we can develop and who we can help become fantastic employees.

“We also learn a lot from our apprentices, who bring a fresh perspective as well as some fantastic innovative ideas.” For further details visit https://JessupPartnerships.co.uk or follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JessupPartnerships or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessuppartnerships/?hl=en