Apprenticeships

Father and son team up to bring new homes to Wokingham

- 27 Oct 16

When Jake Ridings embarked on a career in construction at a new homes location in Wokingham, he could have no better role model than the man leading the build - his dad.

Jake is one of the new intake of apprentices recruited from across the country by leading national house builder Bovis Homes and he has been assigned to the company's Emmbrook Place development as an apprentice carpenter. And it's a real family affair on site, because that is where Jake's father, Neil Ridings, is the site manager.

Neil, who has been managing the site near Matthewsgreen Road for six months, said: "It's great to have Jake join the team at Emmbrook Place. He has always been keen to pursue a hands-on career and I had no hesitation in recommending a career in construction, and with Bovis Homes, to him. He did well to win a place on the scheme too. Many don't make it as Bovis Homes is looking for the best youngsters with the right qualities."

He added: "I started my apprenticeship in bricklaying more than 30 years ago on a Bovis Homes site and it's nice to see Jake taking a similar path. There'll be no special treatment; it's hard work - but construction can be a very rewarding career with the right attitude and commitment."

Jake said: "I'm really enjoying my time with Bovis Homes so far. I'm playing an active part in building the homes here at Emmbrook Place and learning skills which will serve me throughout my career."

The year 2016 has been a record one for apprentices at Bovis Homes with 27 joining the company in September, across various disciplines from bricklaying and carpentry to sales and customer services. On-site apprentices like Jake will gain practical trade skills during their time with the company as well as attending college to further develop their knowledge.

Emmbrook Place will see the development of 760 brand new homes, as well as new shops and a primary school, at the site to the north of Wokingham. Construction of the Phase 1 area commenced in January 2016 and the first show homes opened in the summer.

For more information on Bovis Homes development at Emmbrook Place, go to https://www.bovishomes.co.uk/new-homes-at-wokingham/matthews-green/