The development and career progression of new entrants into the industry, be that apprentices or sector shifters, is a key part of the ‘growing our own’ culture at Esh Construction.
Being accredited to gold standard with The 5% Club’s esteemed Employer Audit Scheme evidences Esh’s active approach to recruiting and retaining apprentices and graduates and promoting career opportunities for young people across the construction sector. Five young people who are forging successful early careers within Esh’s refurbishment division in roles from plastering to quantity surveying have shared their thoughts on the journey so far.
James Platt, Trainee Quantity Surveyor, has recently completed a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying at New College Durham, and is due to begin a Degree in Construction Quantity Surveying in January, further developing his knowledge and skills to progress in the early stages of his career.
“There are endless opportunities for progression in this industry,” said James. “I have always been interested in construction, and I am proud to be following in my mam’s footsteps as a quantity surveyor.
“Every day is different, and that’s one of the things I love about my role. Getting the chance to be out on site and mix with new people, I am able to learn new skills every day, contributing to my continuous professional development.”
Apprentice Plasterer, Mitchell Dixon, is currently working towards his Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Plastering at Newcastle College. After completing a multi-skills course at school, plastering stood out to him – and with his grandad being a plasterer, the trade runs in the family. Mitchell joined Esh after finishing a full-time plastering course at college and has now delivered work across a variety of frameworks, including contracts for Gentoo, Thirteen Group and Riverside, enhancing his experience in plastering kitchens, bathrooms and rewire projects at each new opportunity.
James McGeorge swapped a full-time football career for joinery, instead choosing to pursue a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery which he studies at New College Durham. The Apprentice Joiner was introduced to the construction industry through his dad where they worked together at Atkinsons, as well as completing refurbishment works together in the family home.
James said: “Different people have different ways of working, so moving around on refurbishment frameworks has allowed me to work alongside a wide range of people, helping with my confidence and enabling me to acquire skills I will take with me for life. Swapping football for joinery has enabled me to secure a future for myself in an industry where I can see myself building a career.”
Joining Esh straight from school, Saul Gowland is now working towards a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Joinery at New College Durham. Recognising that an office-based role wasn’t the right fit for him, Saul chose to kickstart his career through an apprenticeship in a trade, allowing him to gain practical experience and learn new skills whilst working hands-on. Since starting his apprenticeship, Saul shared that he has learned how to use hand tools, power tools, how to read drawings, and has hugely improved his communication skills – not only through speaking to the team, but by having the opportunity to speak to tenants too.
As a proud winner of the Trainee or Apprentice of the Year Award within Esh’s staff awards programme ‘The Esh Factor’, Tyler Mcintosh switched his initial course in joinery to join Esh and study a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Plastering at Redcar & Cleveland College. Tyler described working in the construction industry as a “great industry to start your career in.”
He added: “I have worked across the Gentoo, Thirteen Group, and Broadacres frameworks. Moving between the three has allowed me to work with different people, gaining expert knowledge every step of the way. You are constantly learning on the job and are also able to make new friends whilst working.”
Line manager Michael Gardner, Contracts Manager at Esh Construction, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progression of our apprentices first-hand. They represent the future of our workforce, and I take pride in guiding them through the early stages of their careers. By supporting and mentoring them, we’re helping to shape skilled professionals and create a pathway towards successful careers in the construction industry.”