Berkeley has announced a new local apprenticeship programme offering young people a chance to experience at first-hand the competitive and fast-paced construction industry. The Berkeley Apprenticeship Scheme is run in partnership with Greenwich Community College and the council's employment initiative, Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB). The programme will launch officially on 13 November 2014 at Devonport House, Greenwich, between 1pm and 4pm.
Apprentices can choose from a wide range of career options, including painting and decorating, bricklaying, plastering, site carpentry, electrical engineering and plumbing. They will work on some of the borough's most exciting projects. The 20 successful applicants will work alongside subcontractors on Berkeley sites for 18-months.
The programme is designed to give participants the confidence, as well as the skills, to progress in their chosen career. This pilot scheme marks the beginning of Berkeley's drive to provide 200 apprenticeships over the next five years in the borough of Greenwich.
"This programme gives local young people the chance to learn skills that will shape the future of their community. They will literally be able to see the results of their work all around them. The construction industry is incredibly varied and ever-changing, and it's an exciting time to get involved."
Karl Whiteman, divisional chairman of Berkeley Homes, comments: "This programme gives local young people the chance to learn skills that will shape the future of their community. They will literally be able to see the results of their work all around them. The construction industry is incredibly varied and ever-changing, and it's an exciting time to get involved."
Speaking at the launch of the Berkeley Apprenticeship Scheme will be Yasar Ugar. Yasar undertook work experience with Berkeley in 2014 before being offered a permanent position as a trainee site manager. He will be sharing his experiences with the applicants and explaining how his life has changed since taking on this role.
To find out more about the programme at the launch on 13 November, book a space by emailing Simone Crossley at GLLaB on simone.crossley@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or call 020 8921 2462. If you would like to apply for the scheme call 020 8853 7025 or contact business@gcc.ac.uk.
Councillor Sizwe James, cabinet member for business, employment and skills, said: "Berkeley is showing real leadership in this area and strong commitment to addressing the growing training and apprenticeship deficit that exists across the sector."