Sheffield’s Joshua Hoyland becomes 500th Lovell apprentice |
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As preparations gather pace for National Apprenticeship Week (6 to 10 February), Lovell has announced that newly-recruited 18-year old Joshua Hoyland from Crookes, Sheffield, is the company’s 500th apprentice.
The nationwide Lovell apprenticeship scheme sees an average of 60 craftsmen and women graduate each year, with recognised trade qualifications. In Yorkshire and the East Midlands, the company has trained 161 carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, roof layers, plasterers and painter and decorators over the past eight years. Life-changing training Lovell managing director Stewart Davenport says: “Joshua’s appointment marks a fantastic achievement and demonstrates our continuing commitment to delivering positive changes for people and communities. That’s our priority and the reason why we make the provision of jobs and training for local people central to our approach. Our dedicated apprenticeship scheme, was established nearly 10 years ago, to help create a new generation of highly skilled workers and to provide opportunities and ongoing employment in the communities where we work.” Joshua Hoyland says: “When so many young people are without jobs, I feel very lucky to be learning a craft while being paid. The support from Lovell has been fantastic and I know I am fortunate to have this opportunity to learn skills that will give me a lifelong trade.” Lovell established its national apprenticeship programme in 2003 as part of its commitment to communities. As a leading provider of affordable housing which successfully inspires transformation in communities, the initiative nurtures the local workforce, and gives young local people the chance to gain qualifications and training. Apprentices are closely mentored during their training to NVQ Level 2 with many going on to advance their skills and career by gaining NVQ Level 3 qualifications. As part of its community commitment, Lovell regularly delivers apprenticeships in areas of economic disadvantage, building literacy and numeracy training into apprenticeship programmes if trainees need extra support. Apprentices earn above the National Minimum Wage for apprentices and see their pay increase after each year of training. In addition the company equips them with a toolkit (currently worth up to £250), personal protective equipment, training, and - where applicable – Lovell also covers college fees, accommodation and travel for training purposes. For more information on Lovell’s apprenticeships schemes, visit www.lovell.co.uk/careers |
At a time of record youth unemployment – with more than 1 million jobless16-24 year olds nationwide – the teenager is now being supported through a two-year vocational plumbing programme by Lovell which will see him fully qualified in 2014. Lovell is based locally in Don Road, Sheffield S9 and also has offices in Leeds.