House builder and timber systems manufacturer the Stewart Milne Group has begun the search for its 2015 intake of apprentices.

The Group will recruit 15 new apprentices this summer who will gain the skills and experience to enable them to develop careers in a dynamic, growth industry with the National House Building Council five-star rated house builder.

Whilst apprenticeships were traditionally seen as a route into a trade for school leavers, career changers as well as young people are increasingly recognising the wide range of careers, projects and progression opportunities available in the 21st century construction industry. The ages of the 14 apprentices who joined the Group in 2014 ranged from 16 to 32.

The 2015 apprentices will join the Stewart Milne Group as it implements an ambitious programme of growth within its homes divisions in Scotland and north-west England and its award-winning timber systems business with factories in Oxford and Aberdeen. They will span the traditional trades through to quantity surveyors, reflecting the wide range of career opportunities within the Group.

Apprenticeships with the Stewart Milne Group involve training on site and at college in the first three years, giving an apprentice the right mix of technical and practical skills. Trade apprentices then complete their fourth year on site. For their “at work” training each apprentice is assigned a journeyman – an experienced tradesman who works with them on a one to one basis to enhance their training and understanding of company values, including its safety culture. Each apprentice is also assigned a construction manager as their mentor, who works with them to develop their skills and confidence in their chosen role.

Karen Catto, human resources director at Stewart Milne Group, said the apprenticeship programme is a very attractive route into the construction industry.

“Apprenticeship training means that people gain the right skills for the job they want to do. It also enables people to earn while they are learning, which is an attractive option for many young people today,” said Karen.

She added: “We find that the apprentices are keen, highly motivated people who want to learn and help our business to grow. The increasing age range within our apprentice community also brings different perspectives and experiences into the business, which is very healthy, and demonstrates that more people are attracted to our industry because of the wide range of skills required, long-term prospects and good terms and conditions that we can offer them.

“We place great store on training and development and there are many examples of people have joined us as apprentices and ended up becoming senior managers or directors. As a privately-owned business we can recognise and reward talent and ensure that it is nurtured so people can progress as far as they are able or aspire to.”