Community Impact
January 10, 2013
Two Liverpool students are celebrating achieving Level 2 NVQ qualifications as part of a successful apprenticeship initiative run by David Wilson Homes North West, North Liverpool Regeneration Company and Liverpool City Council through the city’s Housing Renewal programme.
Bricklayer, Ryan Owens and joiner, Nathan Fairbrother, both from Liverpool, successfully secured their qualifications after completing a six month placement at David Wilson Homes’ Claremont Gardens at St John’s development in Kirkdale.
The apprenticeships involved a mixture of classroom-based learning as well as time on site, where they had a hand in the construction of new homes. Having successfully achieved their qualifications, Ryan hopes to become a tutor or mentor and Nathan has secured employment as a joiner at local firm, Atlas.
Graham Swann, managing director at David Wilson Homes North West, comments: “We are delighted to have assisted Ryan and Nathan in securing their qualifications. At David Wilson Homes North West we are committed to helping young people in the local community develop their skills, providing them with the experience and knowledge to go on to have successful careers in the construction industry.”
Since the scheme began in May 2010, it has supported more than six young people from Liverpool achieve qualifications through apprenticeships. Graham Swan continues: “The apprenticeship scheme has made a real difference to the lives of local youngsters, allowing them to gain practical skills and worthwhile qualifications and we hope to support many more in the future. In the meantime, we wish Ryan and Nathan the best of luck in their forthcoming careers.”
Apprentice, Ryan Owens said: “I still feel a sense of pride when I pass the houses I worked on as part of my apprenticeship. During my time working with David Wilson Homes, I developed my skills to a much higher level but I also enjoyed meeting new people and feel I have come away a more mature and independent person.
“The value of apprenticeships should never be overlooked as they are a great introduction to working life and once I am a fully qualified bricklayer, I hope to go on to teach the trade to others.”
Councillor Barry Kushner, Liverpool City Council Assistant Cabinet Member for Living Environment and Localism, added: “It is great to see the scheme working so well in North Liverpool, not only to bring high quality homes to the area but also to develop the skills and aspirations of our young people. It is good to see David Wilson Homes North West and North Liverpool Regeneration Company working together to build on the already successful partnership to support more apprentices to enter the industry.”
To find out more about how to secure an apprenticeship, please contact North Liverpool Regeneration Company on 0151 2074612.
