Two awards for Taylor Wimpey as apprenticeship scheme in Devon and Cornwall is recognised
Taylor Wimpey Exeter enjoyed a double win at this year’s Celebrating Success Awards, hosted by Exeter-based PGL Training. The business won the Levy Employer of the Year award while apprentice Lee Cole was named Carpentry Apprentice of the Year.
Lee, 19, started with Taylor Wimpey Exeter in October 2015 and has progressed through on-the-job training to take on a variety of roles, including organising trades for the whole build and dealing with customers on site.
Lee said: “I’d just finished a carpentry course and wanted to keep my options open for the future. I also liked the security of being employed with all the benefits Taylor Wimpey offer, so it was an easy choice to apply for the apprenticeship.
“I’m taking things one step at a time and seeing how things pan out in terms of my career. I’d like to think that there’s a ladder I can climb but I’m keen to keep my options open. I’d love to carry on with Taylor Wimpey and progress to be site manager in the future.”
Having started out as a Carpentry Apprentice, Lee’s hard work has resulted in a promotion to Site Manager Apprentice. Applying for the job in the first place was not about winning awards for Lee, but he was proud to be named Carpentry Apprenticeship of the Year by PGL Training.
He said: “I'm not a person who loves being in the limelight but being given recognition is always nice. It means a lot and I hope that more apprentices from Taylor Wimpey will win awards in the future.”
Taylor Wimpey Exeter is focusing on employing more apprentices like Lee in an attempt to broaden its workforce, employ local staff and give more young people a start on the career ladder.
Lee said: “Apprentices are the future of the industry and it’s essential that they benefit from the experience of tradespeople and managers who have been in housebuilding for many years. Young people mean new ideas and this industry is always evolving so I hope that Taylor Wimpey keep investing and those that get the opportunity to be an apprentice grab it with both hands.”
Rob Baker, Production Director for Taylor Wimpey Exeter, added: “Lee has been a model apprentice, he has always been eager to learn new skills and has worked tirelessly on his college work. I was delighted to be able to offer Lee a further site management apprenticeship. He is a credit to Taylor Wimpey.”
As well as celebrating success in business, PGL Training also used the awards night as a way to support the work of Mind, the mental health charity. In total £13,270 was raised through an auction, activities and the night itself.
More information about previous causes that Taylor Wimpey has supported can be found at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/media-centre/news
