Apprenticeships

Exeter apprentice wins top award

- 28 Mar 17

A Business Administration apprentice based in Exeter has won a top prize in a national house builder's awards, which celebrated the dedication and commitment of its young people.

Since starting at Bovis Homes in 2015, Ella Kavanagh's career with the company has gone from strength to strength, and she has now been awarded Apprentice of the Year in Bovis Homes South West region's annual awards.

"Ella has made a huge impact here at the Exeter office," says Dave Farley, Regional Managing Director. "Her enthusiasm for the job is contagious and we're very proud of how far she has progressed at Bovis Homes."

After completing her GCSEs at St Luke's Science & Sports College, the 18-year-old started her A Levels but decided to leave and begin in the world of work instead.

Starting her apprenticeship as an administrator for the South West region's technical department in the offices at Sowton Industrial Estate, Ella was offered the position of the Regional Managing Director's PA after completing the first year of her course.

"I didn't really like college and wanted to get a job and start working," says Ella. "I initially wanted to be an estate agent and I saw that Bovis Homes were looking for apprentices - I thought that it would be a good way to get some experience in the industry.

"I was keen to work in Business Administration as I thought it wouldn't tie me down to any particular department. When I first started I was able to get experience in lots of areas of the company, which was really beneficial."

Bovis Homes has taken on over 100 apprentices in recent years, in both trade and office jobs across the country, learning new skills in a variety of areas including sales, carpentry, plumbing and customer services.

Susan Brown, Group Trainer at Bovis Homes, says: "Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain practical work experience and achieve a nationally recognised qualification, while earning a real wage."

Ella will be completing her Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration in August and hopes to stay working at Bovis Homes for a long while yet.

"I really enjoy it here and it's a great company to work for. There are lots of opportunities and I get involved in a huge variety of projects which is giving me some fantastic experience."