Showcasing the Best of Welsh Business

Leading Housebuilder Redrow Building Success with Apprenticeships

Cwmni Adeiladu tai Blaenllaw, Redrow, yn Adeiladu Llwyddiant Gyda Phrentisiaethau

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Gymraeg

Over the course of its 45-year history, one of the largest housebuilders in the UK has incorporated apprentices as a key element of their workforce.

With its head office based in Ewloe, Redrow nurture eager Welsh talent developing them into prominent positions throughout the business in departments ranging from construction, IT and sales.

More than 15% of Redrow’s employees are either apprentices, graduates, or trainees.

Ian Randell, new entrants officer said:

“We find apprenticeships are an incredibly cost-effective way of recruiting. We invest in the individuals but then from a wider point of view, these colleagues then grow with us and go on to make significant contributions to our business. Many of our senior roles within the company, such as site managers, are filled with individuals who began as apprentices themselves. That’s why when we hire apprentices, we foresee them as the building blocks for the continuous success of the business.

“Apprenticeships allow us to train staff from the offset and this succession of talent has worked well for us as a company.”

Ian continued:

“The Apprenticeship Programme enables us to tailor the skills of our employees to suit the business’ needs. We work closely with our training providers, Coleg Cambria, JTL and CITB to customise our Training Programmes to help plug the skills gaps within the sector. We also have in-house programmes in place, so the support available to our apprentices is endless.”

Redrow currently have 19 apprentices in Wales, in a variety of job roles.

Ian said:

“In Wales, we have roles across our Trade Apprentice Programmes and Business Support Programmes. We’re also piloting a customer service apprenticeship which we’d like to develop further in the future. Our talent forecasting team are always looking to expand our use of apprenticeships into other areas of the business, bringing in new people and developing existing staff.

“Apprentices positively impact the company, especially when we work on large-scale projects. They bring a unique voice to their teams by challenging existing ideas and offering new, innovative solutions. They’re gaining business experience and qualifications as well as progressing within the business.

“The excitement they bring is infectious; the whole workforce benefits from having apprentices on board. Those with more experience within the business can become mentors to our apprentices, which works both ways as it allows early management responsibilities for existing staff as well as the training of fresh talent.

“As a large organisation, we have a corporate social responsibility to give something back to the community and investing in young people is an important pillar. We witness the benefits of this day in, day out.”

Adding to Ian’s comments, Anna Milne, head of talent at Redrow, said:

“Apprentices have always been an intrinsic part of our workforce. They’re valuable employees who bring new ideas and fresh skills to our teams. We have a big passion for nurturing young talent and we have specific teams which work on providing these opportunities within Redrow. I would encourage any business, whether big or small, to consider apprenticeships as part of their recruitment strategy as they really do make a significant difference to our company.”

The Welsh Government has recently announced a new package of incentives to encourage employers to recruit apprentices, with businesses in Wales now eligible to claim up to £3,000 for each apprentice they recruit.

Ken Stakes, Minister of Economy, Transport and North Wales said:

“Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity to learn whilst earning a wage and it’s great to see that Redrow are successfully nurturing and developing their apprentices.

“The impact of coronavirus and the fast approaching end of the EU transition period have placed incredible pressures on our economy, with businesses across Wales facing many challenges. The new incentives offered for apprenticeships will support employers to strengthen their business, as well as giving young people in Wales a real chance to shine.

“Apprenticeships play a crucial part in the Welsh economy and I urge business owners to consider the benefits that apprentices can bring to their workforce.”

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit

www.gov.wales/apprenticeshipswales or call 03000 6 03000.

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The Welsh Government is the devolved Government for Wales.

They are working to help improve the lives of people in Wales and make our nation a better place in which to live and work.

The Welsh Government consists of:

The First Minister
Welsh Ministers
The Counsel General
Deputy Ministers.

They are supported by civil servants who work across devolved areas that include key areas of public life such as health, education and the environment.

They aim to be open and responsive to the needs of citizens and communities and are one of the few governments in the world that publishes Cabinet minutes and papers. Responsibility for most key areas of public life including health, education and environment is devolved.

With offices across Wales, including Merthyr Tydfil, Aberystwyth and Llandudno Junction, they are getting closer to the people they serve.

 

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