23/03/10 - Building for the future with apprenticeships

James Edwards and Sam Hobson are the latest apprentices to be learning their trade at the Brandwood End estate, where local contractor Thomas Vale Construction is in the final stages of building 300 affordable new homes for housing association Waterloo Housing.

The redevelopment project involves £40 million of investment by Waterloo, with grant support from the government’s Homes and Communities Agency.

James and Sam are employed at Brandwood End by Waterloo’s contractor, Thomas Vale Construction.

Seventeen-year-old James is an apprentice bricklayer, who is currently attending SouthBirminghamCollege and working towards an NVQ level 2 qualification in bricklaying. He started work in July 2008, straight from school.

“I really enjoy the work. Seeing the finished home - and knowing you have helped make it - is a brilliant feeling,” said James.

Sam,18, is an apprentice carpenter and joiner, studying at the same college. He started work with Thomas Vale in January last year, after being made redundant from a previous employer just weeks into his apprenticeship.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was laid off, so I felt really lucky when this chance came along,” said Sam. “I’m really enjoying all the work, and busy trying to get as much experience as I can.”

Thomas Vale Construction employs 830 staff and recently received a prestigious award for their long standing commitment to investors in People.