National Apprenticeship Week at Gleeson
The 5th - 11th February 2024 is National Apprenticeship Week, and here at Gleeson, we will be using this opportunity to celebrate and share the experiences of five apprentices from across the business.
This awareness week provides an excellent opportunity for businesses across all industries to recognise and celebrate the importance of apprenticeships and the positive impact they have in allowing employees to upskill and develop in their careers. Investing in apprenticeships at Gleeson helps us bring in new talent and strengthen those sought-after skills required within the industry in which we operate.
Last year, we were proud to announce our partnership with the NHBC Training Hub in Hull. Through this partnership, our bricklaying apprenticeships are now able to experience real-life working conditions alongside their studies; helping to further develop their skills and confidence.
“We are proud to currently have 67 valued apprentices working across all areas of the business. Apprenticeships not only help to bridge the industry skills shortage gap across all functions of the business, but also strengthen our future talent pipeline. All of this combined allows us to strive for growth whilst offering a working environment in which our people can thrive."
Speaking to several of our Gleeson apprentices, we asked them what inspired them to choose an apprenticeship, their future aspirations and what advice they would give to anyone considering going down the apprenticeship route. Here’s what some of them said:
Eve Downs, Build Administrator Apprentice
Why did you choose an apprenticeship? I wanted a change from my last job but had no administration experience. An apprenticeship is a good path to go down as you get experience and a qualification.
What do you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship? I love learning new things every day, there is never a moment when I am not learning. All the staff at Gleeson are lovely too and always offer to help.
Would you recommend choosing an apprenticeship and why? I would recommend choosing an apprenticeship as you get experience and a qualification. You learn everything you need to know and have support from college tutors but also colleagues.
Alex Gilberthorpe, Technical Apprentice
What opportunities have you had whilst completing your apprenticeship? Towards the end of my Level 3, when I was nearing my completion date, I had discussions with my manager about the next steps for me at Gleeson. We decided that going onto a Level 4 apprenticeship was the best option for me, to further my knowledge to give me the best opportunities to progress in the future.
What are your future aspirations? My future development aspirations are to develop the skills (through the support of my mentor and manager) to get me to Technical Co-ordinator (upon completion of my level 4). After that, I would like to widen my knowledge even further to hopefully one day become a Technical Director.
Would you recommend choosing an apprenticeship and why? If the opportunity is there, do it! You’ll get paid to learn things people go to college for free to do, while also gaining industry experience!
Aaron Mushet, Finance Apprentice
Why did you choose an apprenticeship? I chose an apprenticeship as I get on-the-job experience while studying for qualifications.
What do you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship? The best part of my apprenticeship is that I get to experience what the job is like first-hand while studying. Being able to learn skills you wouldn’t learn in the classroom from colleagues with a wealth of experience.
Would you recommend choosing an apprenticeship and why? Having the opportunity to use what you are learning from studies in the office gives you experience you cannot gain through being in a classroom. Being able to learn from individuals with years of experience is a great way to excel in your chosen field.
Jack Henry, Trainee Assistant Management Accountant
Why did you choose an apprenticeship? I knew I was ready to move into the workplace environment and be more hands on whilst still learning at the same time as I felt like that was more effective for me.
What made you want to progress with Gleeson? There is a clear progression path at Gleeson that is realistic and achievable both short and long-term. This made me want to stay beyond my apprenticeship and see how far my studies can take me. I also enjoy the team I work with, there is always support on offer whenever it is needed which makes things like taking on new work a lot easier and more comfortable.
What are your future aspirations? The next big goal in my development is to pass my CIMA qualification.
Reece Barras, Apprentice Bricklayer
Why did you choose an apprenticeship? I wanted to get into a trade, and I thought an apprenticeship would be the best option to do that.
Would you recommend choosing an apprenticeship and why? I would recommend an apprenticeship as I think it's the best way to develop your skills. Once you have passed, you can have an NVQ in whatever you're studying or doing on site.
At Gleeson, we continually encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers to build a workforce with future-ready skills and we’re proud to be supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2024.
