APPRENTICE FEELS RIGHT AT HOME – BUILDING CAREERS

Apprentice feels right at home!

As the UK promotes National Apprenticeship Week (7th – 13th Feb), a Consett man is feeling right at home, settling into his new role following the successful completion of his apprenticeship.

Ryan McPherson, 22, is working with Consett based Amethyst Homes and was its first apprentice, with the developer committing to recruit at least one apprentice as work starts at each new site.

Having attended Derwentside College, Ryan has recently completed his Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 qualification, whilst working alongside the site team at Amethyst’s Regents Park (Phase 5) development at Consett – which forms part of the wider Project Genesis regeneration masterplan.

He said: “I am really grateful to Amethyst for giving me the opportunity to train as an apprentice. The support the site team has given me – enjoying the mix of hands-on practical experience, alongside the theory at college – has boosted my confidence to take the next steps towards working for myself. The help that I’ve had from Amethyst, especially given the impact the pandemic has had on training and employment, has been fantastic.”

In addition to Regents Park phase 5, Amethyst Homes is building 59 two to four bedroomed houses and bungalows at Sleekburn View, Northumberland, 55 two to four bedroomed houses at The Meadows, at Stockton and a selection of 30, two bedroomed bungalows for over 55’s at Regents Park, phase 4 in Consett.

Gary Coils, Construction Director with Amethyst Homes added:

“We are committed to involving and engaging the local community and providing jobs and training opportunities for local people.

“Despite the challenges created by the pandemic, we are dedicated to helping build the next generation of construction workers and we are confident that Ryan, will be the first of many apprentices at Amethyst to take the next steps into self-employment.

“We encouraged Ryan to do the extra year, completing the Level 3 Apprenticeship. As an ex-joiner, to see somebody like Ryan working through his studies with us and being able to support him further as a self-employed joiner is very satisfying. It is important that we demonstrate the wide and varied roles that are available in the construction industry.”

Established in 2013, Amethyst Homes has built its business around its customers, with a strong emphasis on providing quality, sustainable homes in communities in which people choose to live and work. To date it has delivered over 350 properties in the North East to meet local housing need, from first time buyers to those looking for family homes and bungalows.