ACE Training in Kidlington prepares apprentices for a career in Site Carpentry and Brickwork, learners are based with their employer four days a week and spend the fifth day at ACE working towards their qualification.

For many building firms this is the ideal training solution, with an apprentice on site 80 per cent of the time and fully funded for the fifth day’s training if they are under 18. The government provides significant contributions to all apprentices aged under 25.

This is a fast track version of traditional ‘inhouse’ Apprenticeships, with experienced tutors able to spend time one-to-one with trainees in a way that’s less possible on a working site.

The benefits for learners are huge – not only can they gain an NVQ and Diploma, they also remain in paid employment, giving job security alongside a career step up through a recognised industry qualification.

Michael Sparke, 18, a brickwork apprentice from Bicester, made the jump into Apprenticeships and has never looked back.

Now working towards an Advanced Apprenticeship at ACE Training, Michael first came across the provider whilst at school, where he studied for a BTEC at the ACE workshops.

When he left school Michael decided to return to ACE to do a foundation course in brickwork, and showed such natural flair that his tutors quickly moved him onto a pre- Apprenticeship programme.

ACE helped Michael find a position with the Leadbitter Group, which has supported him to progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship in brickwork.

Michael said: “My Apprenticeship means a career for life – by doing this training I can earn a decent wage and most of all it means a job in these difficult times.”

Michael’s Advanced Apprenticeship includes studying for an NVQ level 3, which will give him the practical skills to pursue his dream of becoming a site manager.

Leadbitter has an established Apprenticeship programme which is part of its commitment to nurturing future construction professionals across its business.

Paul Abson, deputy group chief executive of Leadbitter, said: “We are passionate about providing training and employment opportunities wherever we work that will enable young people to establish a productive livelihood and contribute to their local communities.”

The divisions based out of its Abingdon head office are currently supporting several apprentices to complete their construction training at ACE, including Owen Wilcox, 19, who is working towards an Advanced Apprenticeship in Site Carpentry.

Like Michael, he started off on a foundation course at ACE and decided to pursue the Apprenticeship route in order to fast track into the industry.

Owen said: “I am in the middle of doing my NVQ in Carpentry and Joinery, and my Apprenticeship will give me a lot more chance of having a guaranteed job.

“I think an Apprenticeship is a very wise choice as nowadays there are fewer options for jobs coming out of university, but my Apprenticeship means that I have a stable job at the end and it gives me a wide range of options further on in my carpentry career.”

Other apprentices at ACE have specifically chosen the vocational courses on offer as they feel that the practical qualifications and small tutor groups suit them better than college or university.

Every apprentice at ACE is focused on employment, and many have very clear career paths in mind; in learning a trade at ACE they are gaining an industry qualification that makes them more employable in the future.