Houlton are strong advocates of the Apprenticeship scheme and have recognised it's importance from our early trading in the late 1800's.

The current scheme offers young people a route into construction by combining class based learning with practical based learning and skills development in a real work environment, earning a wage whilst doing so. We believe the Apprenticeship scheme is a vital part of addressing the ever widening skills gap and is part of the Houlton DNA.

We have taken on over 350 apprentices since trading began - our first indentured apprentice was Thomas Bishop, bricklayer and plasterer, who started a 5 year apprenticeship in November 1879 and then went onto serve with the company for 57 years!

Even in the current turbulent times, we have added a further three apprentices to our workforce and expect them to go on to have good careers in the industry. Many of our previous apprentices have gone on to become Site and Contracts Managers with the business.

James Jennison is a Contracts Manager for Building & Maintenance, and is also responsible for the recruitment and mentoring of our apprentices as well as attending school engagement events to explain about the Apprenticeship scheme and routes into construction. His career at Houlton started as an apprentice joiner, so he knows first hand what it takes to be successful.

We have also been lucky enough to have students win local and regional awards, with one bricklaying apprentice competing in the World Skills Awards at regionals and national finals for Great Britain then heading to training camps in Sweden and Australia before the world finals in Abu Dhabi. 

We are proud of all our apprentice achievements and will continue supporting and nurturing our current and future Apprentices.

 

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