Pendle construction firm hopes to take on 15 more apprentices

Being a partner in the Constructing the Future Lancashire scheme, Barnfield know the benefits that investing in apprenticeships now will deliver a strategic advantage as the economy continues to recover. 

Currently there are real concerns within the construction sector that, as a result of the downturn, employers are finding it harder to guarantee employment which will provide a young apprentice with the necessary experience for them to complete their full apprenticeship.

James Webber, Contracts Manager, said: “Barnfield Construction prides itself in continually training its workforce and promoting a policy of career progression for people from within the company. We feel there are many benefits of employing apprentices some of which include making our business stand out from others; delivering a lower staff turnover and a reduction in recruitment and training costs.”

Barnfield is currently developing over 20 sites, including joint ventures with private and public sector partners.

Abdul A Ravat, Project manager for the Homes & Communities Agency, who are helping to fund joint venture schemes for Barnfield in Sutton-in-Craven, Brierfield and Nelson said: “We are really pleased the HCA has provided funding of £3,856,000 at the Greenroyd Mill Site in Sutton-in-Craven that has enabled Barnfield Construction to give apprentices an opportunity to not only find work but develop skills in their chosen trade.”

This year Barnfield has spent £70,000 in the last year on training and currently employ eight apprentices working within their joinery, mechanic, brickwork, groundwork and plumbing (through their subsidiary company Roger Whalley) departments with hopes to take on 15 more apprentices over the next two years.