Apprentices tasked to build homes from start to finish

Developer Crest Nicholson has tasked 14 apprentices to build two new houses from scratch at its Kings Warren development in Stowmarket.

Although the company regularly offers apprentices the chance to work alongside skilled tradesmen, the pioneering new Apprenticeship scheme is the first to give a group the job of completing two new homes under supervision from start to finish.

Gerry Bamonte, senior project manager for the group’s Kings Warren development, told how each apprentice was hand-picked from local colleges under the guidance of ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for construction.

“We chose these skilled apprentices to work on this new phase of development at Kings Warren, as a result of their experience and commitment to the trades. Those participating in the programme are clearly talented young workers and we are confident in their ability to provide outstanding results during this construction project,” said Mr Bamonte.

The team includes six bricklayers, two carpenters, three plasterers, two painter-decorators and a plumber.

Bricklayer Daniel Lomax, 20, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to prove ourselves and show off our skills. Not only does the project give us a real confidence boost but we can also gain valuable evidence for our college coursework.”

The houses are estimated to take 26 weeks to complete, and they will form part of the Larks Reach phase at the development. The project will provide social housing for Luminus Group, which offers innovative, independently financed schemes for high quality affordable housing.