Makers Apprentice Ranks Swell

The success of Makers business is its people and this can start the beginning in a career in construction.  Across 3 disciplines Makers welcomes its newest recruits as they embark on their journeys through construction inside Makers.

Edward Smith who joins as a Site Manager Apprentice discovered Makers apprenticeship scheme when the school he was attending invited Makers to address the sixth form and talk about a career in construction.

Edward was attracted to the scheme as it was well developed and he didn’t want the burden of student loans, the ability to ‘earn and learn’ was a strong component.

“I was attracted to the apprenticeship straightaway.. It’s well developed pathway meant I was learning from an expert who would take a personnel interest in my development and skills”

Edward Smith, Apprentice Site Manager

Edward joins us from St Frances of Assisi where he studied Engineering, P.E. and Business at ‘A’ level.  A keen sportsman with a passion for cricket and football representing Warwickshire at under 16 level.

Edward Clifford-Hill also joins us as an Apprentice Site Manager. Ed left school in 2011 and has had the misfortune to have tried other apprentice schemes that failed to deliver on their promises.

Also a former pupil of St Francis, Ed was recommended to Makers via a supplier to the company.  A willingness to work and learn and following a successful probation period Ed had now transferred fully into the Apprentice programme.

“My previous apprenticeship cost me a couple of wasted years, it was un- structured and basically I was used a dogs body. I’ve been working on Makers sites for 8 weeks prior to the course starting and it has been great.  I am really looking forward to the challenge”

Ed Clifford-Hill, Apprentice Site Manager

“Ed’s experience was brought to my attention and felt he would be an ideal candidate to blossom on the apprentice programme.  I am delighted he has found a place where he can settle down and develop his skills.”

Simon Lamb, MD

Ed has already been adopted in the Makers family and has found all his immediate colleagues friendly and approachable.

We also welcome James Bate who will be taking up the position of apprentice estimator.  James has already completed his BTEC Level 3 in the built environment at Walsall College but now changes from full time educations to day release.

“My tutors informed me about the available apprenticeship with Makers and I had seen a few of their guys at the college, once I knew they had a position available I applied.”

James Bate, Apprentice Estimator

“We have the tutors at Walsall College to thank for James, he finished top in his final year of the BTEC level 3 and was an outstanding student. Once he was recommended to us by Walsall we had no hesitation in offering James a place.”

Sean Allsop, HSQE Manager

James is the elder of twin brothers by a single minute and has no trouble reminding his brother he is the eldest.  Studying construction from the age of 16, James’s interest was fuelled by his grandfather who also worked in the industry. James likes to play football but sadly hasn’t followed his team Aston Villa for obvious reasons which requires no further explanation!

Joshua Lake joins Makers as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor.  Completing his studies at Walsall Academy, Joshua came into contact with the Makers apprenticeship scheme via his father Martin Lake who teaches fellow Makers apprentices at Walsall College.

Joshua a keen sportsman and lifelong Walsall fan has supported them through thick and thin despite them releasing him from their playing academy. A keen skier, Joshua thinks nothing of tackling ‘double blacks’ and enjoys the thrills that skiing provides.

“I applied for an apprenticeship as I heard my Dad talking about the scheme with a fellow colleague. Since I started I have found working life very different to school,  I have more responsibility and the work I am doing is more relevant to real life situations.”

Joshua Lake, Apprentice QS

Coming from a teaching family Joshua’s mum taught him at primary school and now his Dad will add to his education at Walsall College, so will it be ‘Dad’ or ‘Sir’ in the Classroom?  Either way we expect Joshua will do well!

“We are amazed at the quality of apprentices we have been able to attract and we are delighted they wanted to join Makers.  Each and every one of them will learn and be successful and become part of their respective teams.  We will wish them all well as we monitor their development throughout the programme.”

Simon Lamb, MD