Cavanna Homes has welcomed its new intake of apprentices as part of its commitment to supporting the next generation to build a career in construction.

Three apprentices aged between 18 and 32, are the latest cohort to join the Westcountry family-owned homebuilder.

The apprentices; Isaac White, Ellie Mason and Teri Martin, will be completing qualifications in Commercial, Technical and Finance at the firm’s Torquay head office over the next 24 months.

Sophie Aylott, People & Culture Manager said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to encourage young adults to explore the wealth of opportunities available in the construction sector, whilst getting hands-on experience and job-based training.

“We’re proud to support alternative routes into housebuilding to ensure that the next generation of homebuilders are given the best start in their roles and have the skills and expertise to be able to train future construction professionals. We’re excited to welcome our new apprentices, especially during National Apprenticeship Week, and we look forward to supporting them as they start their careers.”

The firm’s previous intake of apprentices have all secured full-time positions with Cavanna Homes in the IT, HR and Quantity Surveying Teams.

As part of Cavanna Homes’ commitment to providing alternative routes into homebuilding, the firm recently supported Rebecca Carruthers through her NHBC Level 4 Management course. Having started with Cavanna Homes as a Site Operative, she is now working at the firm’s Equinox III development in Exeter as an Assistant Site Manager.

Grayham Tucker, Group Managing Director added: “We want to inspire people to join the construction industry and to make sure they are given a solid foundation as they start their careers. I’m looking forward to seeing our new apprentices flourish and grow into their roles, as they prepare to be the next industry leaders.”

The apprentices will split their time between attending college to gain their National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and working as paid employees at Cavanna Homes, gaining valuable mentorship from the firm’s experienced team.

For more information about Cavanna Homes, visit: www.cavannahomes.co.uk.

Home builders : Non-essential maintenance work in homes allowed from 26 April. Scottish home builders are keenly awaiting the planned 26 April lifting of restrictions which have prevented workers from entering customers’ homes for non-essential aftercare work during the latest lockdown and over a large part of the last year.

This is one of the top priorities for the Board of trade body Homes for Scotland (HFS), which met last week, coinciding with the positive news that the industry had achieved a record level of customer satisfaction with 91% of customers willing to recommend their builder to a friend.

HFS Chief Executive Nicola Barclay said:

“As every new home is a bespoke product, there will inevitably be some aftercare required but, for much of the last year, builders have been unable to undertake anything other than essential work in people’s homes.  “Our members tell us that customers have been extremely patient as they recognise the Scottish Government-imposed lockdown restrictions have been for their own safety, but the end of April really can’t come soon enough. Undeniably, there will be a backlog to work through, but our members are busy preparing for that challenge and are keen to resolve any outstanding issues for their customers as soon as they can.”

Property & Development Magazine