Recognising our talented apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week

Taeger, 41 from Ipswich, is currently undertaking his level two apprenticeship in bricklaying. He said: “At 41, I embarked on a journey with Taylor Wimpey, pursuing my passion for bricklaying and committing to furthering my knowledge through the NVQ Level two apprenticeship. I’m now thirteen months into this journey and absolutely loving it. Age is merely a number; it's the determination that defines success. This apprenticeship has become my gateway to a future I've always envisioned, proving that it's never too late to invest in yourself. The skills acquired aren't just about laying bricks; they're the foundation for a lifetime of growth and opportunity. With each course milestone, I am not just building walls; I am constructing a resilient and fulfilling career that knows no age limits. Taylor Wimpey empowers dreams at any stage of life, showing that through dedication, an apprenticeship can set you up for a lifetime of success.”

When asked what advice he’d give someone looking to take on an apprenticeship in bricklaying, Taeger said: “Just go for it. It's more than learning a trade—it's a confidence boost. Age shouldn't hold you back. You'll gain practical skills that set you up for life.”

Josh, 29 from Ipswich, is currently completing his level two apprenticeship in Carpentry. He said: “I started my apprenticeship with Taylor Wimpey in early 2023 and have loved the journey and it's built on my skills and experience greatly. At 29, completing my NVQ Level 2 in site carpentry with Taylor Wimpey East Anglia has been an eye-opener. Being surrounded by a younger, passionate crowd has made the learning experience not only educational but downright enjoyable. From mastering the art of building roofs to crafting doors, stairs, and skirting boards, the variety of skills I've acquired is astounding. It's not just about constructing structures; it's about building a diverse skill set that keeps the job exciting. As I eagerly await my results and anticipate starting Level 3, I can't help but appreciate the journey – it's not just a job; it's a hands-on, dynamic learning adventure.”

Speaking of recent experiences during his apprenticeship, Josh said: “I've recently worked on some projects that I'm genuinely proud of, particularly in the realm of smart roofs. These cutting-edge roofs come in segments, and being part of the team that assembles them is a one-off chance. It's incredibly fulfilling to witness the developments in the industry firsthand. Working on innovative projects like this not only challenges my skills as a carpenter but also allows me to contribute to the evolution of construction techniques. It's a unique opportunity that makes every effort worthwhile.”

To anyone looking to take on an apprenticeship in carpentry, Josh said: “Dive in headfirst and put yourself out there. It's not just about learning the ropes; it's about embracing the challenges. It's a positive experience, and the team at Taylor Wimpey ensures you're not just thrown in at the deep end – they guide you to success. So, be prepared for the challenges, embrace the grind, and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your hard work pay off.” 

Julie Pearce, Regional Apprentice Manager at Taylor Wimpey East Anglia, said: “We are thrilled to be giving people like Taeger and Josh the opportunity to embark on their career journey with Taylor Wimpey, and contribute to building homes in their own community. Our apprentices play a pivotal role in helping us to deliver houses that resonate with our customers. 

“Taylor Wimpey provides an excellent platform to launch a career in housebuilding, boasting a plethora of training programs. Last year we welcomed 10 apprentices onto our programmes and many before that have gone on to take on roles such as Carpenters, Bricklayers and Site Management roles. We look forward to attending Suffolk New College Careers Fair and an employer event with Eastern Roof Training College this week and welcoming new apprentices to the Taylor Wimpey family."

For more information about the homes available at Northfield View visit https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/stowmarket/northfield-view

To register your interest about the homes available at Churchfields visit https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/barham/taylor-wimpey-at-churchfields

Further information about the careers available at Taylor Wimpey can be found by visiting https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/jobs