Crest Nicholson announces 35 apprenticeship vacancies

IN CELEBRATION of National Apprenticeship Week, award winning developer Crest Nicholson has today announced 35 new apprenticeship vacancies, including its first ever ‘degree apprenticeship’.

Degree apprenticeships are funded by government to the same level as a degree and are the highest level apprenticeship available.

In its South West division, Crest Nicholson currently has homes available at sites including Regency Place in Cheltenham.

Crest Nicholson currently strives towards employing 10 per cent of its workforce as apprentices. In September, it will introduce its first ever degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying in addition to apprenticeships in site management where those enrolled will have the opportunity to ‘earn while they learn’.

The new programmes join existing apprenticeships in bricklaying, carpentry, electricals, plastering and dry lining, painting & decorating, plumbing, customer service and marketing.

All Crest Nicholson trade apprentices are offered a fixed term contract, during which they gain practical experience on-site which supplements coursework requirements for their NVQ qualifications. Apprentices graduate from the scheme with an Apprenticeship Framework at Level 2 or 3 and an NVQ.

George Gitsham, a marketing apprentice at Crest Nicholson South West said: “One of the main reason why I started the apprenticeship is because I wanted to gain real life experience in the working world and start earning. When I came across Crest Nicholson, I knew they have a really good reputation and applied immediately. Working as Digital Marketing Apprentice at Crest Nicholson South West, I’ve been given the opportunity to create content for the website, and be creative. The programme has definitely helped build my confidence and improved my communication skills as I am speaking with new people every day. In the future, I hope to secure a permanent full time role at Crest Nicholson”.

Anthony Wilkinson, Head of Talent Development at Crest Nicholson, said: “This year we’ve broadened our apprenticeship programme and offered higher/technical apprenticeships in a range of new disciplines including construction design and surveying.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Crest Nicholson apprentice. Last year the business saw strong growth and we foresee our apprentices playing an important role in contributing towards our future success.”

Throughout their training with Crest Nicholson, each apprentice is allocated a mentor who will share advice, skills and demonstrate best practice examples. Crest Nicholson works closely with QA Apprenticeships in the South West region which offers continuous support during the programme. Training courses are delivered through a selection of industry training groups including Construction Skills, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board.

The apprenticeship scheme will formally be open for entrants from summer 2017, and those interested in applying should visit the Crest Nicholson careers page (crestnicholson.com/about-us/careers/apprenticeship-programme) to find out more. Applicants wishing to apply should email their CV to apprentice@crestnicholson.com