Esh Construction has welcomed its first Assistant Site Manager apprentice to the Union Village development in Middlesbrough. Dominic (Dom) Burns, aged 22, has joined the site management team to support the delivery of 145 new affordable homes on behalf of Thirteen Group.
Dom is part of Esh’s largest ever apprenticeship cohort in five years – a move that reinforces its commitment to invest in the workforce of the future. The latest intake sees the current number of apprentices employed in 2023 rise to 29, with upwards of 8% of the group’s workforce taking part in an apprenticeship scheme.
Before joining Esh, Dom worked as a skilled labourer on building sites across the North East. He has now taken the next step in his career journey and will study Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor at New College Durham. Dom said: “I always knew I wanted to work my way up when I started in construction. Management was always in the back of my mind when working as a labourer.”
Previously, Dom studied engineering at college while working on new build sites for other companies. He added: “With my previous experience in construction and engineering, I have been able to use my knowledge of the roles I have been in before to help me settle into this new position.
“Since starting as an Assistant Site Manager, I have been able to learn more in-depth knowledge about site drawings and how to do take offs. I have also been able to develop my knowledge of sub-structure works and drainage.”
With an aspiration to move into site management, Dom knew he needed a relevant qualification and saw the apprenticeship route as the perfect way to progress, adding: “I knew I needed the backing of a qualification to progress in construction management. Full-time college wouldn’t be for me, so I see the apprenticeship route as the best opportunity to progress. It has been hard blending work and college, but the knowledge I have is helping me both in the workplace and with assignments.”
Darran Milne, contracts manager at Esh Construction, said: “As Dominic embarks on his apprenticeship journey, it is important that we support him during his time at work as well as through his studies. At Esh we want to provide opportunities for both new entrants into the industry but also help those that already work within construction to take the next step in their career pathway, and I’m delighted we’re able to support Dom on his journey.”
The Union Village development is located in Gresham and is one of three affordable housing schemes that Esh is delivering in partnership with Thirteen.
As Dominic embarks on his apprenticeship journey, it is important that we support him during his time at work as well as through his studies. At Esh we want to provide opportunities for both new entrants into the industry but also help those that already work within construction to take the next step in their career pathway, and I’m delighted we’re able to support Dom on his journey.”
