This week marks the celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide event that highlights the significant contributions of apprenticeships to both individuals and the broader economy.
It’s an occasion where businesses and apprentices come together to showcase the positive impacts of these programmes. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit a bustling building site at Barratt Homes, where we met two remarkable individuals embarking on their career journeys through apprenticeships.
One such individual is Alex Biruls, whose journey to the construction industry took a unique path. Just two years ago, Alex was immersed in the world of car sales, having traversed various roles after leaving school without a clear career direction. However, his experiences in different sectors helped him cultivate valuable skills and confidence. This journey of self-discovery led him to pursue further education and training, eventually landing him an apprenticeship with Barratt Homes. Today, at the age of 26, Alex has achieved a Level 4 HNC qualification and is pursuing a degree in Quantity Surveying at Sheffield University, all while being fully funded by his employer.
The story of Alex exemplifies the transformative power of apprenticeships in providing individuals with alternative routes to their desired careers.
National Apprenticeship Week serves as a platform to celebrate these successes and showcase stories from various sectors, highlighting how apprenticeships equip individuals with valuable lifelong skills.
Andrea Pilgrim, Sales Director at Barratt Homes Bristol said, “We’ve seen and celebrated so many of our team training and taking on key roles in Barratt thanks to apprenticeship training.”
Reflecting on his journey, Alex acknowledges the role of luck in his career trajectory. Supported by his parents’ ambition for his future and guided by his own experiences, he found his passion in the construction industry.
“I think I was lucky,” says Alex today. “My parents were ambitious for me but there was no pressure – they wanted me to find something that was right for my future. But nothing was wasted during those early exploratory jobs – they showed me what I was good at and gave me a chance to explore careers and find one that was right for me.
His role as a Quantity Surveyor allows him to contribute to meaningful projects while continuously expanding his knowledge through academic study and on-the-job training.
Joining Alex on the path to apprenticeship is Finn Tucker, a 16-year-old apprentice with a passion for practical, hands-on work. Growing up in a household with a dad who is a self-employed plumber and a brother who is a bricklayer, he knew he wanted an out-in-the-fresh-air practical job and says learning while he earns is brilliant.
“It was the practical stuff I’d loved at school – design, technology, sports – and because I was doing okay there was some pressure to go onto A Levels and there were several options presented to me, like mechanics or sport. But I really wanted to be a carpenter, was focused on and loved woodwork, and I am so glad I made this choice.
“The role I am in and the course I am taking feels so different from learning in a classroom or even doing practical projects in a college workshop. Carpentry here covers everything you can imagine – the doors, the floors, the roof – and I am part of a team who are teaching me every day while I work with them. It’s hard work, but none of it – the work or the study (via two-week college placements) ever feels like a chore. I have a mentor based at the college who visits me on site. And, crucially, I am learning fast that when you enjoy something you feel like you can achieve anything. It makes you hungry to learn more.”
Barratt Homes currently offers a number of apprenticeships ranging from Construction Graduate Apprenticeships to Trade Apprenticeships in areas like Bricklaying and Carpentry. The opportunity to learn while earning, alongside seasoned professionals in the industry, is viewed not as a secondary option but as a primary pathway to career success.
