New Recruits Build Bright Future With William Davis Homes

Six new trainees have joined William Davis Homes’ award-winning apprenticeship scheme to help meet the growing demand for construction workers in the UK.

The latest recruits cover a range of trades and include a joiner, a scaffolder, an electrician, a plumber and two bricklayers – bringing the total number of apprentices at the Loughborough-based firm to 36, including technical trainees.

For more than 50 years, the company’s apprenticeship scheme has helped hundreds of entrants to launch their careers in housebuilding, creating precious opportunities for young people.

According to the Construction Industry Training Board, around 250,000 extra construction workers will need to be recruited over the next five years in order to meet demand in the UK.*

HR Advisor at William Davis Homes, Melissa Cook, said the new recruits, aged 16 to 19, are vital to the company’s future:
“We’re thrilled to be welcoming these latest trainees who have been selected from hundreds of applicants, at a time when the construction industry needs new apprentices to meet growing demand,” said Melissa.

“Apprenticeships offer an excellent career route, enabling young people to enter a new industry and gain the relevant qualifications and experience to thrive. At the same time, employers can train to their own standards, ensuring the relevant skills and expertise are developed for the future.

“Investing in apprenticeships within our local area enables us to support our workforce as we continue building quality homes across the Midlands. We are looking forward to supporting this new intake and watching their skills and careers develop over the next few years.”

The William Davis Homes apprenticeship scheme has gained widespread recognition for delivering exceptional apprentices and has won a number of awards. The company was named Apprentice Employer of the Year at the Leicester Apprenticeship Hub Awards 2023.

The traditional training scheme gives the opportunity to ‘earn and learn’ whilst gaining a professional qualification and creating a life-long career. It was established in the 1960s and a large proportion of the current workforce started as William Davis Homes apprentices.

Pictured left to right in the photo:
Joiner Daniel Phillips (17), scaffolder Jack Woodwark (16), electrician Alfie Derry-Bird (18), plumber George Peck (19), bricklayers Owen Knight (17) and Fintan Quigley (16).

*The annual industry forecast from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB): https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/over-250-000-extra-construction-workers-required-by-2028-to-meet-demand/