TELFORD HOMES – SOUTHWARK
In late 2016, K10 was contacted by Shaun Perry from Telford Homes who asked us to source a large cohort of local apprentices to join them on their Bermondsey Works site in Southwark, a mixed development including a sixth form centre for the City of London Academy as well as residential units.
K10 placed three dry lining apprentices with one of Telford’s sub-contractors, OCL. The apprentices Travis, Orlando and Jerome were very happy with the tasks assigned to them on site, Jerome said, ‘the work they gave us was really good and varied and allowed us to gather high-quality evidence for our NVQs’. Travis added, ‘they also allowed us to complete tasks independently so we could develop our own skills and know what and how to improve’.
We then went on to ask whether being on site was how they expected it to be. Travis explained ‘it hasn’t changed how I feel but it has made me more aware of certain things that I wasn’t aware of before, such as how to prepare for site. Being here has helped me develop confidence I never knew I had and taught me how to communicate with a range of people from varying backgrounds’. Orlando said, ‘I am now able to complete tasks on my own that I previously couldn’t, such as putting on beading, attaching walls and feathering out skirting’s.’
In addition to the three trainee dry liners, Telford also arranged for two apprentice carpenters, Daniel and Lucas, to be placed on site with their carpentry subcontractor, Oakwell Building Services. Daniel said ‘the work I completed on site was great; I enjoyed going to work in the morning, everyone on site was very happy to help.’ Lucas added, ‘I was allowed to work individually and having the trust of my managers on site gave me a good idea of what to expect from the working world after I’ve qualified’. Lucas also went on to say ‘since being on this site I can now hang doors and use power tools with more confidence. Without securing this placement I would most likely not be in work as I found it very difficult to find employment before, due to my lack of experience. The whole project has been interesting and a lot more fun than I thought it would be, I am really looking forward to the future’.
Finally, Telford arranged a further placement for a painting and decorating apprentice. Paige was placed with the painting sub-contractor, DPL, she said, ‘I am really enjoying site, people are helpful and the environment is a lot friendlier than I expected it to be. As a female, I worried that I might be treated differently on site but it has been the opposite, the site managers have been super friendly and the support from K10 has been unwavering. I am now looking to have a long and prosperous career in construction’.
‘This was Telford Homes’ first project in the London Borough of Southwark and we were finding it hard to find reliable candidates suitable for the apprenticeship positions we had until we made contact with Adam and Peter at K10. They were very helpful throughout and shared the same commitment as Telford Homes in creating opportunities and allowing the apprentices to gain experience in their chosen field. I am pleased to hear the apprentices that worked on our site enjoyed their placements and I wish them well for the future’ – Shaun Perry, Project Manager, Telford Homes
