How the UK’s leading developer is helping the next generation build rewarding careers

Barratt Homes is committed to nurturing talent and opening up opportunities for people of all ages to explore careers in the construction industry. The leading housebuilder offers a range of apprenticeships for everyone from school leavers to those wanting to build on their academic achievements with a degree apprenticeship, as well as those looking to change career direction.

For many young people today, the prospect of spending several years at university before they can start
their careers is changing. By contrast, the chance to learn ‘on the job’ and gain transferrable skills, as well as a qualification, is becoming increasingly popular and apprenticeship figures are rising nationally.

With an overwhelming amount of choice, it’s crucial that young people are made aware of the opportunities open to them. Through its employment and skills plan, Barratt Homes and its subcontractors recruit and train people in the communities where they are building, as well as providing career advice in local schools.

Two of the many apprentices currently taking advantage of the pathways offered by Barratt into the construction industry are Sara Wrona (24) and Jamie Driver (25).

Sara and Jamie both joined Barratt as Technical Trainees at the firm’s headquarters in Hedge End, Southampton – Sara in October 2021 and Jamie a year later. Both agree it’s a great way to combine studying with workplace experience.

Taking the leap

Sara, who was awarded Apprentice of the Month from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in November 2023, 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. It’s been challenging at times, and can get quite busy, but to be recognised as Apprentice of the Month at the end of last year shows that all the hard work I’ve put in has paid off.”

The building industry has historically been a male-dominated one and, although more women are now joining the sector, there is still a stigma surrounding females taking on construction roles. Sara said: “When I joined the construction industry, I was worried about voicing my opinions and feeling heard among colleagues who were mainly male and a lot further ahead in their careers. I instantly felt at ease with Barratt, however, and felt respected both on and off site.”

Barratt also supported Sara in her determination to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of her mother, Ewa, who sadly died of breast cancer in 2021. Last October, Sara took on a 14,500ft skydive at Netheravon Airfield in Salisbury in aid of Macmillan, and Barratt matched the amount of sponsorship she raised, so that a total of £1,050 was donated to the UK’s leading cancer care charity.

On the right foot

Jamie, who has been with Barratt for nearly two years, feels that an apprenticeship was the right choice for him. He said: “Being able to learn on the job has been a great way for me to enter a career in construction, and I’m really enjoying it.” Jamie, a keen footballer, has also benefited from sponsorship that will see the Barratt logo appear on Jamie’s kit, in match programmes and on his club’s social media channels.

Jamie plays for Colden Common FC, a Hampshire Premier League side, three times a week and the housebuilder’s sponsorship is welcome news both to him and his club.

“This incredible support means that my training kit will be sponsored for the entire season, which is brilliant,” Jamie said. “The club relies heavily on generous donations and Barratt’s help will mean it can allocate more money to developing the club’s facilities to provide a platform for younger age groups to progress.”

Opportunities for all

Barratt’s apprenticeship schemes include opportunities for everyone, from recent school- and college-leavers to people who want to change careers. The housebuilder offers level 2-3 trade apprenticeships in construction and construction support, and level 4-7 higher and degree apprenticeships, where those who have studied to a higher level can earn a degree while working on projects across construction, quantity surveying, technical and real estate.

For graduates, Barratt’s two-year ASPIRE programme is designed to nurture future business leaders. The scheme is tailored to support career development in each individual’s chosen discipline, while building their understanding of how Barratt’s departments work together to build communities.

Megan Hamlyn, Barratt Homes Marketing Manager, said: “We work alongside the communities where we’re building new homes, as well as schools and local councils, to provide career opportunities for young people in the local area.

“We’re also delighted to be able to help people to the Barratt family at every stage on their career journey through our many training schemes and we have opportunities for everyone.”

Students who’ve just embarked on their final year at school might be thinking about their next steps career-wise. For Sam Sweatman, who is 16, an apprenticeship was the perfect option. “I knew I wanted to leave school and start work after my GCSEs,” he said. “I think it’s really important to have a trade. I discussed my career plans with my mum and told her I wanted to do something active, to work outside and be part of a team. She found out about the bricklaying apprenticeship with Barratt and it struck me as a great idea.”

Sam started his apprenticeship in August and he’s really enjoying it. “I’m working with a great group – there are quite a lot of us and there are people of all ages and different backgrounds. You wouldn’t think we have only known each other a short time. It’s brilliant.” He’s also excited about where his career with Barratt might take him when his apprenticeship is completed. He said: “I’d like to look into options to move into other areas of the business, like site management.”

More details about Barratt’s apprenticeships and other training programmes can be found here.