Building strong careers for budding apprentices

What does a carpenter, a degree and a fundraiser have in common? They are all a group of talented employees that started life as apprentices at Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton division, working together to build and sell quality homes across the region.

Starting from the beginning

Barratt recognises the importance of investing in the next generation of construction professionals. Fostering talent through apprenticeships serve as the cornerstone of Barratt’s development strategy, providing individuals with hands-on experience and comprehensive training while contributing to the company’s growth and innovation.

Apprentices are not just seen as workers at Barratt, but as learners embarking on a journey of skill and personal growth. From construction techniques to customer service, apprentices receive comprehensive training across a variety of roles at the company – ensuring they emerge as well-rounded professionals.

Shining a spotlight on Hampshire's finest apprentices  

During National Apprenticeship Week (5th – 11th February), Barratt took the chance to interview some of its apprentices from across Hampshire that had flourished thanks to the opportunities the housebuilder had given to them.

James Bicheno (17) and Jamie Angold-Sanchez (22) both work at Barratt’s Harbour Place in Bedhampton as carpentry apprentices and both youngsters said it’s been a great alternative to further education.

James said: “After enjoying carpentry at college, Barratt’s apprenticeship scheme seemed perfect for me. I’m really enjoying working on site and have picked up so many new skills.”

Jamie added: “It’s been great to have the opportunity to start my career in construction with such a reputable company, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Barratt also offers Degree Apprenticeship opportunities – and Sara Wrona (24), Jamie Driver (25) and Niamh Pond (22), have all joined Barratt using this scheme.

Niamh joined in November 2021 and was promoted to Assistant Quantity Surveyor within 18 months. She said the Degree Apprenticeship scheme has been a great way for her to learn but also progress in her career. She said: “I’m furthering my education while also moving up in my career – it really is the best of both worlds.”

Sara, who joined Barratt in October 2023 as a Technical Trainee, was awarded Apprentice of the Month from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in November. She said: “I’ve always wanted to work in construction and being able to gain hands on experience while continually improving my knowledge while I study, has been excellent.”

Empowering employees to thrive through its "Purpose and Values" statement

Beyond apprenticeships, Barratt prioritises ongoing development of its employees as they embark on their careers.

Recognising that its workforce is its greatest asset, the company invests in continuous learning and career advancement opportunities for all employees.

At the core of Barratt Homes’ operations are its Purpose and Values statement, which serve as guiding principles for every decision and action taken by the company.

Central to this Purpose and Values statement are:
Quality: Barratt Homes is committed to delivering homes of the highest quality, built to last for generations. From materials selection to construction techniques, quality is non-negotiable.

Integrity: Integrity forms the foundation of every interaction and transaction at Barratt Homes. Honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct are paramount in all dealings, both internally and externally.

Customer Focus: Barratt Homes places customers at the forefront of everything it does. From understanding their needs to delivering exceptional service, the company is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations at every turn.

Sustainability: As stewards of the environment, Barratt Homes is committed to sustainable practices that minimise its ecological footprint. From energy-efficient designs to responsible sourcing, sustainability is integrated into every aspect of its operations.

Teamwork: Collaboration and teamwork are essential to Barratt Homes’ success. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation, the company harnesses the collective strengths of its employees to achieve common goals.

United through commitment

Barratt recognises that the world around them is forever changing – and so too are its customer’s needs as well as those of the environment.

Adaptability is one of the reasons Barratt has continued to be one of Britain’s most successful housebuilder. They go one step further and don’t wait for that change to happen, but instead, stay ahead and lead the way towards more sustainable living.

Through its Purpose and Values, Barratt encourages all employees to share that passion and drive; championing sustainability initiatives – and doing the right thing.

Whether it’s ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship, putting the needs of customers first, every member of the Barratt Homes family is united by a shared commitment to these principles.

Barratt sees that you can’t be successful working in a silo fashion and that you need to work together to achieve high standards.

What’s more, Barratt Homes fosters a culture of inclusivity and diversity, where every employee feels valued and respected. This is part of its wider framework to go beyond merely building houses; it is about enriching lives, creating communities, and making a positive impact on society.

By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences, the company cultivates innovation and creativity, driving continuous improvement and ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.

Apprentices are right at the beginning of their journey

Purpose and values allow us to build better work better and be better, create places where communities, people and nature thrive.

In the competitive world of construction, Barratt Homes stands apart not only for the quality of its homes but for its unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and upholding values. Through comprehensive apprenticeship programs and ongoing employee development initiatives, Barratt Homes invests in the growth and success of its workforce, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

At the heart of it all are the company’s purpose and values, which serve as guiding beacons for apprentices and employees alike. By staying true to these principles, Barratt Homes not only builds homes but creates communities and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.

ABOUT BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS PLC: 

Barratt and David Wilson Homes can play a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and economically sound future for homeowners. If you’d like to find out more about its developments in the region, head to barratthomes.co.uk and dwh.co.uk.