South Oxhey apprentices begin laying foundations for their future

Countryside, a leading UK home builder specialising in place making and urban regeneration, together with their partner Home Group and Three Rivers District Council have launched an apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Joe Brennan Training (JBT) at their £172 million redevelopment in South Oxhey, Hertfordshire.

To date, the on-site apprenticeship programme has enabled two local residents to gain vocational qualification alongside practical work experience. Local resident, Simon Alley, started in April as an apprentice carpenter after seeing the opportunity advertised in a local newspaper, and an apprentice plumber joined in September. Further opportunities on the site are available, and those who are interested are encouraged to visit www.jbt-training.co.uk   for further details.

Senior Construction Manager Ian Jarvis, Simon Alley, Johnny Curd, Cllr Sara Bedford

The construction apprenticeship scheme will train those aged 18 and above to reach the required standard to enable the trainees to perform a skilled role. Apprentices receive guidance and support throughout their scheme duration, from before their technical studies until their ultimate qualification and employment. The scheme also ensures apprentices are given mobility from one programme to another until the on-site qualification has been completed. To date, the partnership between Countryside and JBT has funded 56 apprentices, 85% of whom have completed the programme, qualified and secured employment.

The Leader of the Three Rivers District Council, Cllr Sara Bedford, recently visited the site to see the construction progress and to speak to apprentices currently based at South Oxhey Central.

Cllr Sara Bedford, Leader of the Three Rivers District Council, said:

“Three Rivers has been determined that the redevelopment at South Oxhey Central would bring a range of benefits to the local community, including greater employment and training opportunities. We are therefore delighted that, directly due to the initiative, local young people are accessing the quality apprenticeship places provided by Countryside and Home Group. I hope that many more local residents will apply for future opportunities as they arise.”

Simon Alley, an apprentice carpenter at South Oxhey, said:

“This apprenticeship offered me the chance to get an insight into what life is like working in construction while also gaining training towards a valuable qualification. There is a great atmosphere on site and I would encourage anyone considering a career in this area to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.”

Paul Sweeney, Director of Community Development at Countryside, said:

“We are a committed supporter of apprenticeships, aiming to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need for a career in the construction industry, as young people are finding vocational training to be an increasingly attractive and cost-effective alternative to an academic route. We are proud to be continuing our partnership with JBT to facilitate another apprenticeship scheme, making an important contribution to the community by putting improved life prospects for local people at the heart of the regeneration process.”
Countryside and JBT are keen to ensure equal opportunities for all people to access employment and apprenticeship opportunities and can provide specific support to ex-offenders and individuals with learning disabilities with the goal of helping those struggling to find work achieve paid employment.

For further information on Countryside visit: www.countryside-properties.com