Four new recruits join apprenticeships scheme

FOUR apprentices have been recruited as part of a scheme that will see them help maintain council properties.

Stacey Bann (21), Jack Smith (19), Tyler Shaw (19) and Daniel Essex (42) have joined Willmott Dixon’s Rotherham branch as part of the company’s pledge to recruit eight local apprentices each year in partnership with Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

The recruits will be getting hands on as Willmott Dixon continue to deliver a repairs service to 12,000 council-owned properties as part of Rotherham Borough Council’s housing management arm, 2010 Rotherham Ltd.

Each new apprentice will achieve a NVQ level 2 in Building Maintenance Operations as part of the scheme.

Stacey said: “I did a six-month training programme through 2010 Rotherham and learnt basic construction skills, like plastering and tiling.

“It helped me to realise that I wanted to do plastering as a career, but I couldn’t find a job and ended up being unemployed for five months which was horrible.

“When I wake up in the morning I need to know that I’ve got something to do and a routine because I like to be active.

“I’ve always preferred doing practical things so a hands on role is perfect for me.

“Finding out that I’d got the apprenticeship was fantastic and I just can’t wait to start work and training for my industry qualifications.”

Willmott Dixon’s Rotherham branch manager, David Coldwell, said: “The apprenticeships scheme has allowed us to recruit four new local apprentices and give two existing employees, Nick Booth and Robert Lane, the opportunity to further their careers.

“Through our contract with 2010 Rotherham, we’re aiming to provide opportunities for eight apprentices every year.

“It is our aim to leave a lasting legacy in the communities where we are working and this is an important step forward, not just for Willmott Dixon, but also local youngsters and an opportunity for new qualifications and jobs to be created in the area.”