'Apprentice Mum' enjoys building foundations of bright futures for apprentices
A BUILDING firm’s “apprentice Mum” is doing her bit to help the country’s shortage of bricklayers.
Sophia Jelaca and apprentice Lucas Robinson at Hodgkinson Builders' site off Spanker Lane in Heage, near Belper.
Sophia Jelaca is relishing her role in business development and recruitment at Derby-based Hodgkinson Builders.
Speaking during National Apprenticeship Week, which shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy, Sophia spoke about how rewarding it is to help nurture the next generation of brickies.
Around 45 per cent of Federation of Master Builder (FMB) members reported difficulty hiring bricklayers, according to the latest FMB State of Trade Survey.
The continued lack of skilled labour is putting increasing pressure on builders, with 60 percent of members reporting delays in jobs.
There are also fears of an increase in rogue traders, who exploit the situation.
And the Government’s pledge to build 300,000 homes by the mid-2020s seems unlikely, according to Ian Hodgkinson, managing director of Hodgkinson’s, unless a further 50,000 bricklayers are found.
But he and colleague Sophia are playing their part in filling the skills gap, with around 100 apprentices taken on at the firm since it was founded in 1989 - and all gaining employment with the firm.
By the age of 22, a bricklayer could be earning around £1,000 a week.
There are currently eight apprentices at Hodgkinson’s.
Sophia said: “They have an on-site manager, and a bricklaying mentor, but Ian calls me their Apprentice Mum.
“The apprentices check in with me daily, with photographs of their work and any issues they may have. They also keep a diary which monitors work completed and quantities laid as well as sending their timesheets to me at the end of each week.
“I’m a point of call where the apprentices can feel supported and in monitoring their progress and having regular reviews, we can see how far they’ve come and focus on helping them with any areas of improvement.
“We have now also started running an ‘apprentice of the month’ incentive as a bit of fun but also to recognise and celebrate excellence.”
The apprentices are currently working on the construction of the landmark apartment building on the site of the former Debenhams store in Derby’s Victoria Street, which forms part of an extensive £200m regeneration development, as well as going to college one day a week.
Hodgkinson Builders will soon be training its apprentices in partnership with the National House Building Council (NHBC).
A spokesperson for NHBC said: “‘NHBC is looking forward to welcoming apprentices from Hodgkinson Builders, who will be joining our bricklaying programme at our training hub in Tamworth in March.
“Apprentices will experience a realistic site environment and a syllabus focused around housebuilding within the standards required to achieve. We are excited to be supporting Hodgkinson Builders in addressing the skills shortage and homebuilders’ needs.”
Sophia added: “The objective of a bricklaying apprenticeship through Hodgkinson Builders is to help these young people become fully qualified and competent bricklayers.
“Through their employment with us, we aim to nurture their passion for bricklaying and teach them the skills and behaviours they need to turn this into a successful and lifelong career.
“As part of our mission to inspire and train the next generation of bricklayers, they will be mentored and taught by experienced on-site staff to give them the best environment to learn and thrive in. I feel inspired to be helping the next generation of bricklayers. It’s amazing to see where these apprentices start and where they are going to end up in a few years’ time.”
Lucas Robinson, who has been an apprentice at Hodgkinson Builders since April last year, said: “I am learning a great trade, having a great laugh and meeting some amazing people along the way.”
Ian - who started out as an apprentice - said the country is at least 50,000 bricklayers short nationally, and Covid, people leaving the trade, Brexit and workers from abroad not returning had created a shortage.
“The only way we are ultimately going to solve the skills issues is with apprenticeships,” he said.
He recommends other companies taking on apprentices “as an investment in their business as they would look to any other sort of investment”.
Ian added: “Ultimately, the employer who takes an apprentice on would get a payback.”
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Trading Standards Warn Don't Fall Foul Of Rogue Roofers Trading standards are warning Derbyshire residents to be on their guard against rogue roofers after nearly half of the doorst read more | |
| Cromford Mills Awarded Major Grant from The National Heritage Lottery Fund The Arkwright Society is delighted to announce that Cromford Mills has secured £1.3 million in vital de read more | |
| Belper Jazz Company Welcomes Back Jazz Legend Greg Abate - The US Saxophonist Who Started It All On Sunday, July 27th, New York saxophonist Greg Abate returns to No. 28 Market Place read more | |
| National Tramway Museum Mourns the Loss of Heritage Railway Pioneer Geoffrey Claydon – The National Tramway Museum at Crich announces with deep sadness the passing of Geoffrey Cla read more | |
| Join Stop Loan Sharks event to learn how to protect your money Derbyshire county council is holding a Stop Loan Sharks event on Wednesday July 16th to help residents find out more a read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
| Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |
| Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
| Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |
