Boost for craft apprentices

Published by Jane Clee for Whitefriars Housing Group in Communities and also in Education

Three young Coventry residents are picking up skills for the future, thanks to a new apprentice scheme.

Apprentice electrician Andy Nestor, aged 18, and David Warner and Luke Greaves, who are completing maintenance operations (multiskill) apprenticeships, set to work in November on the path to a new career.

To give them a boost for continuing their studies, Jewson, the UK’s leading supplier of timber and building materials, has donated full trade toolkits to each apprentice.

HomeWorks, Whitefriars’ repairs and maintenance service, recruited the trio to boost the skills within the team.

The apprentices, their parents, City College Coventry and Whitefriars all signed a pledge to commit to their future.

The apprentices are the first craft students recruited by HomeWorks.

All three have been allocated a mentor to help them through their course and have either a one day or two day release at college each week.

One of the new recruits, David, aged 17, said: “I am really pleased to have this opportunity.

“I was looking for a hands-on job that would also enable me to gain qualifications, so this is the perfect balance.

“I’m looking forward to working with Whitefriars and learning from the HomeWorks team.”

Whitefriars worked with City College Coventry to fill the three apprentice vacancies.

Peter Brady, operations manager for Whitefriars’ Training and Development agency, said: “This is a fantastic gesture by Jewson.

“Having your own tools when you start a job is a great incentive and very important for young people.


“By getting used to using and looking after their own tools, the lads will get a good practical grounding in their new trades.

“The scheme is working really well and it offers a win-win situation for those involved.

“We get eager young people, and in return for their hard work, they get new skills and a wage along the way.

“We are very grateful for the support from Jewson and it further demonstrates its commitment to working with Whitefriars.”

Paul Olney, sector director for public sector and construction at Jewson, said: “We are delighted to support the apprentices in this way.

“With our head office based in Coventry, we are keen to help out local young people, particularly those aiming towards developing a career in the trades sectors.

“Our relationship with Whitefriars has been strong from the outset and we are pleased that the partnership is benefiting the community in this way.”