Apprenticeships

Apprentice George, 16, from Gloucester, dreams of management role at housebuilder

- 25 Mar 20

View our video: A bricklaying apprentice from Gloucester who joined a national housebuilder straight from school, with dreams of management, says there are opportunities for other young people to follow suit.

George Woodward, 16, works at Bovis Homes’ Oaklands location in Hunts Grove, Hardwicke, and is in the first year of his apprenticeship with the housebuilder after finding the role online.

The teenager, studying at Gloucestershire College one day a week, said teamwork at the development was helping him to flourish in his apprenticeship as he develops new skills to further his career.

George said: “The best part about my apprenticeship is that I’m surrounded by great people and if I need any help or questions to be answered, I can go to anyone around me and they’ll be very supportive. The contractors I work with are amazing, they teach me new skills every day and I’m so grateful.

“When I was in school, I knew the trade I wanted to go into was bricklaying and when I got home, I went online and I found Bovis Homes and I knew that was the right housebuilder for me.

“I’ve gained knowledge and skills including health and safety awareness, good practical skills, strong teamwork skills, and the ability to work accurately and carefully. My confidence, since starting at Bovis Homes, has increased amazingly as at Oaklands I’ve been able to talk to many people, get to know them and learn from them.

“After my bricklaying apprenticeship, I’d like to carry on with bricklaying for another five years and once I’ve completed that, and I’m qualified, I will hopefully go into management.

“I recommend people work for Bovis Homes as the housebuilder has a good variety of apprenticeships available and, at a young age, I’m earning money and learning at the same time.”

Dean Fox, Bovis Homes – part of the newly-formed Vistry Group – project manager at Oaklands, said George had grown both as an apprentice and individual at the location.

“George joined us straight from school and he’s really come out of his shell,” Dean said. “To see his development into a confident, vibrant young man has been a joy to see.

“If anyone feels they’re the right candidate for an apprenticeship at Bovis Homes, they should please visit our careers website.”