Apprenticeships

Gloucestershire apprentices land Bovis Homes accolades

- 12 May 15

Business administrator Ella Hammond and carpenter Jake Harris were two of the top prizewinners recognised for their hard-work and dedication at a prestigious ceremony in Bristol.

Former Pittville School pupil Ella, pictured right with Western MD Supriya Ray, was named Business Administration Apprentice of the Year, while Jake, from Gloucestershire College via St Peter's High School, was runner-up in the First-year Apprentice category. Both received words of high praise from Bovis Homes South Division Managing Director, Malcolm Pink.

"Ella and Jake have shown those qualities we look for in our apprentices," said Malcolm. "Their enthusiasm, commitment and hard work will serve them well in their careers and we will continue to foster and encourage those attributes.

Bishops Cleeve-based Lucy Moore also made her mark by being named as runner-up in the business administration class, with office colleagues Zoe Hunt, Skye Slender and Ruby Severn all highly commended. Meanwhile for those learning their trades out on sites at Coopers Edge and Evesham, there were also commendations for Steve Robey (pictured below with Malcolm Pink), Alex Davidson, Greg Orchard and Philip Young.

The business award was reward for the great work that 18-year-old Ella, a student at Gloucestershire College, has been delivering in her year in the Strategic Land department in the South Division offices at Bishops Cleeve.

"I tried my first year in the sixth form, but didn't enjoy it, so decided to apply for an apprenticeship," explained Ella, who received a £500 voucher as well as a trophy. "It's worked out brilliantly for me because I'm getting experience, I'm learning and I'm getting paid for it.

"The team here are really friendly and I'm learning a lot about communication and people skills, as well as the process of buying land and planning."

Meanwhile 19-year-old Jake, who works at Cooper's Edge location in Brockworth, added: "When I saw Bovis Homes had a vacancy for an apprenticeship I didn't really want to go anywhere else. It's a big company and you know that you are going to learn the correct way and that there's room for progression; it's very varied work and you pick up skills quickly."