An apprentice quantity surveyor with leading housebuilder, Barratt Homes, is urging others who are keen to pursue a career in the construction sector to push for work experience with key local businesses.

Eighteen year-old Harrison Godfroy was studying a full-time built environment course at Eastleigh College when he completed work experience with five star housebuilder Barratt Homes in its commercial team.

As a leading FE provider, Eastleigh College strongly advocates learners being exposed to the work place and gaining hands-on experience to help make them truly 'Career ready'. We have a dedicated careers, work experience and progression team who are on hand to ensures all students gain relevant work experience as part of their learning programme. This provides invaluable insight, networking opportunities and, as in Harrision’s case, the potential to secure employment.

Harrision said: “At that time, there were no apprenticeships available, but I persisted and completed work experience with the company at its Southampton office in Hedge End.

“As it turned out a vacancy arose and, thankfully, they already knew me due to my time with them and because of the close relationship Barratt Homes has with Eastleigh College. It was all sorted very quickly and now I’m studying part time at the college, whilst gaining valuable on-the-job training and a salary.

“I’d recommend this form of training to anyone. For me, actually getting to do the job whilst being supported by college, has been the best way to learn because I’m able to put the theory into practice. There really is no substitute for getting stuck in. I’d like to thank Barratt Homes for giving me this amazing opportunity, following my stints with them. Work experience really works!”

Built environment lecturer at Eastleigh College, Ian Dixon, said: “We ensure all our students are exposed to a whole range of industry insights by arranging expert speakers, workshops, work experience and site visits. Barratt Homes has been a fantastic partner to the college and Harrison was awarded his apprenticeship as a direct result of his performance at Barratt Homes during work experience.”

Anthony Dimmick from Barratt Homes, added: “I spend a lot of time visiting local colleges - including Eastleigh - to make sure our apprentices are happy and settled. During one of my visits, I met Harrison and was impressed by his enthusiasm. We got chatting about his future, and I was able to arrange for him to do some work with our team.

“I can’t emphasise enough the importance of gaining this kind of experience - it demonstrates your interest in the industry, and gives a potential employer a chance to get to know you.

“Anyone keen to gain some insight into the construction industry - whether as a bricklayer, carpenter or a surveyor like Harrison, should get in touch with us. We are very keen to demonstrate the advantages of a career with us - and we’re looking forward to meeting a new group of potential colleagues over the coming months.”

Discover more about our courses and apprenticeships in the construction industry including plumbing, electrical, carpentry and built environment industries, or visit Barratt Homes’ website to find out about work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.