Positive futures for young workers entering construction sector

KWL addresses the construction skills gap as 13 school leavers make up a 41 strong team of talented apprentices.

This year’s cohort were invited along with their families, to an annual celebration at Hull’s Guildhall, where tool kits were presented by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Kalvin Neal.

Apprenticeships lead to greater opportunities at KWL and aiming to provide young people with positive futures, it increased intake following the pandemic with 34 apprentices being enrolled, just in the last 3 years.

This year’s entry-level roles include 9 young men and 4 young women across the trades and 1 in business administration.

KWL has an ongoing campaign to encourage and support young women into construction. Employees share their experience of working for the company, many of whom spend their entire career with KWL from apprentice level.

Roger Grannon, Chief Operations Officer says:

“Today’s apprentices are entering a sector which will continue to be in high demand for many years to come.

“When we start promoting the scheme in the spring, we’re always incredibly impressed by the standard and shear number of the individuals who apply to work with us. KWL has an excellent reputation for employee engagement, training and development which attracted over 200 applicants this year.

“I’m delighted we’re able to take on so many apprentices. It’s quite rare for the construction industry, as at any one time we have on average 41 apprentices working through their levels and as one year graduates, the next cohort joins us.

“Our apprentices are mentored and supported by highly skilled and experienced operatives and supervisors who not only induct them into the world of work, but also help them to develop.”

KWL was established in 2006 and operates as one of Hull’s leading building, repair and maintenance contractors.

Primary contracts are with Hull City Council to provide extensive property services to approximately 23,000 homes in the Hull area, which includes refurbishment of tenanted homes, as well as an extensive private sector client portfolio.

Mathew Brown has joined the electrical team having just completed his GCSEs at Wolfreton School. He says:

“It’s amazing to be working for such a great local company. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

Paige Cooper has joined as Plasterer /Tiler she says:

“These are not just jobs for the boys, there are many women working in construction at KWL and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

“I’m really enjoying my job so far. With one day at college each week and working onsite for the rest of the time, I’m learning fast and loving it.”

• KWL has recruited 170 apprentices between 2007 and 2022.
• Apprentices make up over 8% of the workforce – the HouseMark benchmark is just 2.5% for repair activities with the public sector target being 2.3%.
• 97% of KWL’s workforce reside in postcodes HU1 to HU19.