13 February 2025
This National Apprenticeship Week we want to shine a light on the apprentices that we have working across our sites, employed by our trusted, long-term partners Spectrum Electrical, Corbey Construction and Cullens Bricklaying.
These apprentices are gaining valuable skills in trades such as bricklaying and electrics, working under the guidance of experienced mentors who are committed to coaching them until they become craftsmen in their own right.
This approach aligns with Morrish Homes’ philosophy of 'Building for Future Generations' by nurturing skilled workers within the local communities where developments are taking place. As a family-run business, Morrish Homes understands the importance of investing in future talent to ensure the longevity and stability of the company.
We spoke to the apprentices to find out how they are finding their apprenticeships and what advice they would have for anyone considering undertaking an apprenticeship themselves. Read what they have to say, here: Link to web article
Luke, who is undertaking a Level 2 NVQ in Bricklaying with Cullens Bricklaying and working at Poundbury says his apprenticeship is “a great way to get hands on practical experience. Eventually, I would like to be self-employed, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from people who have been doing it for years”.
Taylor, who has been completing his Level 3 Electricians apprenticeship with Spectrum Electrical at Poundbury, offered some advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship - “Go for it, and don’t worry about getting things wrong or making mistakes – it’s how you learn!”
Issac, who is relatively new to his Bricklaying apprenticeship with Corbey Construction and working at Nansledan, said that “Working in an apprenticeship is great because I’m working with experienced people who can teach me the right way to do things rather than just trying to figure it out yourself.” He would advise anyone thinking of an apprenticeship to “Just go for it – don’t hold back”.
Ben, also with Corbey Construction, chose an apprenticeship because he “wanted real life experience and to make money at the same time. It shows you the real world while you’re still learning.”
Sonny with Corbey Construction had always wanted to get a trade as “I’ve got it for the rest of my life and I can take it anywhere”. He also advised anyone thinking of an apprenticeship to “Just go for it. Do what you want to do!”.
Max has been with Corbey Construction slightly longer and has been undertaking his apprenticeship for over a year. He feels that “Doing an apprenticeship looks good to future employers. It shows you will stick at it, that you’ve learnt properly and it will help in finding new jobs.” He advises those new to apprenticeships to “keep on top of the theory work because it can hold you back from completing if you don’t.”
Lastly, Riley has nothing but positive things to say about his apprenticeship with Corbey Construction. “Theres nothing I don’t like. It’s a good job and its fun. I really enjoy the social side of it. It’s work but it’s fun, I never wake up thinking I don’t want to go to work. It’s basically like working with friends.”
Apprenticeships don’t just benefit those undertaking them, but the companies themselves.
Giles Corbey Managing Director of Corbey Construction, who started as an apprentice himself, said “Starting as an apprentice you’ve got the opportunities to progress through if that’s what you want to do. It’s the perfect way to fill a skills gap and enables you to make your company grow, using people that you then instil your company ideas in. It benefits my company by bringing a young dynamic workforce with new ideas and different way of doing things that have fresh and young eyes. It also means you can train up local people that have a connection to the local area.”
John Guilfoyle, Contracts Manager at Cullen Bricklaying, said “Apprenticeships are definitely the most practical way to learn as you get the best hands-on experience”. We asked him what made Cullens go down the apprenticeship route - “We’re very much a family orientated business – we have foremen who were previously apprentices with us! It’s vitally important to bring the younger generation through to learn this trade.”
Richard Clayton, Managing Director of Spectrum Electrical, said that they have been involved with apprenticeships for 25 years and find that it helps them with their future workforce – “We retain 99% of our apprentices once they finish their level 3, so it’s great for retention. We even have someone who has now moved on to completing a level 5 apprenticeship with us”. His advice to anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship would be “‘Do it! You get a career for life. You get paid whilst you are learning and you are not creating debt like you would be at University!”.
Morrish Homes are proud to be able to help support all of these apprentices on their journey and look forward to working with more in the years to come.