Youngsters are helping to build the future of the construction industry by getting hands on with training schemes. 

 Edward Mangion, 19, from Chelmsford, and Shea Doran, 19, from Brentwood, are Technical Trainees at Barratt Homes Eastern Counties while Daniel Warmer, 24, from Rayleigh, is a Commercial Apprentice.

As technical trainees Edward and Shea are involved in all aspects of housing design while Daniel’s role is focused on cost effective building and includes quantity surveying and material buying.

Shea was studying on a construction course at Chelmsford College when he decided to apply for the scheme with Barratt.

Since joining the company he said he has enjoyed the day to day work as well as the opportunity to get involved in a wide variety of tasks.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to work in construction so I was very pleased to secure a place as a trainee as this will help me to achieve my goal.

"I’ve really enjoyed being a trainee so far because I’ve been able to get involved in so many different things.

"I like handling information and I’ve been involved in different aspects of building.

"There are lots of things to think about and coordinate and it’s been great getting this experience.”

Like Shea, Edward was studying at Chelmsford College when he heard about the opportunity with Barratt, but his subject was engineering.

However he decided to steer his future in a different direction.

He said: “I came from engineering and I was looking for something new and I realised this trainee role was a great opportunity to learn on the job while being able to stay in further education and it would give me the chance to progress in my career.

"I’m working alongside other contractors and being trained up so the decision to move from engineering is definitely paying off so far.”

The two of them will spend two years as Technical Trainees during which time they will work on a number of developments. In addition to spending time in the office, they also have a number of set days at college to enhance their learning.

And Daniel is also learning while gaining valuable experience. As a Commercial Apprentice his work involves supporting surveyors and issuing tenders and he would like to be a surveyor in the future.

He said: “I chose this scheme with Barratt because I thought it would help me progress and learn more about the commercial side of construction. I’ve enjoyed the interaction with fellow colleagues and external employees and being of assistance to them. I can safely say that I do enjoy it here and feel I will continually enjoy it through my apprenticeship and when I progress onwards in the future.”

Barratt Developments PLC, parent company to Barratt Homes, has a track record of recruiting young people to the business and was recently named as the Macro Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2014.

The company was also recently named a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer.

Barratt Developments has created more than 3,000 new jobs in the last year alone and has pledged to take on 1,100 apprentices, graduates and trainees between 2014 and 2016.

David Eardley, Managing Director for Barratt Homes Eastern Counties, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have such excellent trainees and apprentices as part of our team.

"We are committed to providing these opportunities for the next generation of workers.

"Our various trainee and apprenticeship schemes offer valuable experience and enables people to learn while working meaning they are fully equipped with top quality skills and experience.”

For more information about the trainee and apprentice opportunities with Barratt, visit www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk