As a new house-building boom gets under way in Essex, apprentices from across the county are learning their trade in the best possible way – on site. Barratt Homes, one of Britain’s largest housebuilding companies, is playing its part in train ing the new generation of construction industry craftsmen, by giving young people maximum exposure to real world building sites. Across the country, Barratt Developments has created more than 3,000 new jobs in the last year alone and has pledged to take on 1,100 apprentices, graduates and trainees between 2014 and 2016. Essex apprentices currently benefitting are Ross Gordon, from Basildon, Steve Self, from Benfleet. and Connor Martin, from Chelmsford. They have joined Barratt Homes Eastern Counties as apprentices and are developing their trades on house-building sites at Stanford-le-Hope, Braintree, and Halstead. Ross and Steve are apprentice bricklayers, while Connor’s apprenticeship is in carpentry. All of them are spending one day a week at college, and work on site the rest of the week. Ross, 19, is studying for his NVQ Level One in bricklaying at Barking and Dagenham College in Romford. He said: “I chose an it because my granddad used to be a bricklayer, so I knew what the job involved. I also wanted to begin earning money while training.  I’m looking forward to having a career in the construction industry.” Steve, 24, is studying for his NVQ Level One in bricklaying at South Essex College in Thurrock. He jumped at the chance to join Barratt’s apprenticeship scheme after working as a labourer on Barratt’s Gloucester Gate development in Basildon. He said: “I don’t want to stay as a labourer forever, but I wanted to stay with this company.  I decided to focus on one trade to gain specific qualifications and I think this will help me going forward as I’d like to become a site manager.” Connor, 16, is studying for his NVQ Level One in carpentry at Chelmsford College. He said: “I chose to take an apprenticeship, so I could gain experience and learn about my trade while also earning money. I think this will put me in a good position for the future. I would like to eventually have my own business.” For more information about the apprentice opportunities with Barratt Homes, visit barratt futuretalent.co.uk