Two Southern Housing Group developments have provided perfect learning platforms for students Emily Hinton and Steven Dean.
The pair beat hundreds of other applicants for the site manager apprenticeships being offered by Jenner (Contractors) Ltd, the construction firm working on two Group developments in Dover and Ramsgate.
Emily, 21, is based at Maison Dieu, a 40 property social rent scheme in Dover while Steven, 17, is learning the ropes at the Group’s 42-home Grange Road development in Ramsgate. Both schemes have been designed to Lifetime Homes Standard.
The apprenticeships were part of the tender requirements for the contracts as it fulfils the Group’s vision - “Unlocking the Potential of People and Places” – by utilising developments to create both affordable homes and learning opportunities.
Group Southern Regional Development Manager Jeremy Barkway said: “As well as providing much needed affordable housing for the Dover and Ramsgate areas, these developments have given two young people opportunities to gain practical construction experience. Skills and knowledge gained through these apprenticeships will benefit them in their future careers.”
Martin Sandall, Managing Director of Jenner (Contractors) Ltd said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these two prestigious construction projects by Southern Housing Group, which have provided us with the opportunity to create two much needed apprenticeship positions within our organisation.
Emily and Steven were selected from an overwhelming number of applicants, and we are most impressed with the enthusiasm, interest and energy they have both demonstrated, which is, and will continue to be, of great benefit to the company.
I am sure these apprenticeships will be the beginning of long and successful careers for Emily and Steven in construction management.”
With a building surveyor for a dad, Emily is no stranger to the construction industry. Having recently completed a foundation degree course in construction at the University of Kent, Emily was looking for a “hands on” opportunity.
“I enjoy the variety in the site manager role and there will always be a need for construction,” she said.
The four year apprenticeship will see Emily complete a degree in Construction Management through Reading University as well as gain practical on-site experience.
“The apprenticeship has increased my motivation levels and given me a sense of direction”.
Only a month into the apprenticeship, Emily has already familiarised herself with the supply chain and building processes and is currently using computer software to create a 3D visualisation of the completed development.
And is the thought of working in a male dominated industry a deterrent?
“No, I am happy working on site and do not want to be stuck in an office,” she said.
For Steven Dean a glance at a local newspaper sparked the start of his apprenticeship dream.
The Broadstairs teenager spotted the advertisement in a discarded local paper with the trainee opportunity instantly appealing to him.
“I liked the fact that the emphasis was on the type of person and their skills rather than just on qualifications,” he said.
Prior to starting his apprenticeship in late September, Steven was juggling part time work with a Carpentry and Joinery course at Canterbury College.
“I have both a technical and practical mind,” he said. “I like to be hands on but also enjoy the different thinking processes involved in a project.”
While Grange Road is still in the early stages, Steven is already responsible for various tasks including managing supplies, checking deliveries and labour returns.
“My workload and experience will grow as the site gets busier” he said.
The apprenticeship will allow Steven to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Construction and a Built Environment Course at the K College in Ashford.
Following completion of the two Group developments, Emily and Steven will continue their apprenticeships on another Jenner (Contractors) Ltd project.