John Baron MP meets apprentices during visit to Gloucester Gate

John with Jordon Cannon, Connor Bellyou, and Jack Bohea

MP congratulates Barratt Homes on both development and helping apprentices

John Baron MP gained hands on experience during a site visit to Gloucester Gate as part of National Apprenticeship Week. John was invited to the Barratt Homes development on Broadmayne and was shown around one of the properties currently being built. He chatted to Jordon Cannon, 18, Connor Bellyou, 20, and Jack Bohea,19, who are on the Barratt Trade Apprentice Programme.

All three have their Level 2 NVQ and they are currently working towards their Level 3. During their apprenticeships they will combine valuable on site work experience with time in college. Jordon, from Hockley, is an apprentice electrician, while, Connor, from Basildon, is training to be a carpenter and Jack, from Basildon, is an apprentice plumber. And as well as chatting to the apprentices Mr Baron also tested how he would fare as an apprentice as he got to grips with some of the tasks they undertake.

John said:
“I very much enjoyed my visit to Barratt Homes to see the excellent work they’re doing both in developing Gloucester Gate and helping apprentices. It was great to see how the apprentices were doing and hear their plans for the future and I wish them well. I hope these photos of me helping on site will prove to my wife that I’m not a DIY disaster!”
Jordon, who attends South Essex College in Thurrock, said he hopes to stay on with Barratt after his apprenticeship. He said:
“I came from school and I didn’t know what I wanted to do although I always wanted to do something practical. My mum suggested training for a trade and I knew there was a need for electricians. It’s been great and I’ve really enjoyed the work and being on site. All the people I’ve worked with have really helped me. I would like to stay on with Barratt and eventually become a site manager.”
Connor, who attends Futures College in Southend, said:

“My college helped me to get a place with Barratt and I’m very grateful because they’re a great company. I always wanted to do something practical so I’m really enjoying being on site and getting involved with so many different things and I’ve really grown in confidence a lot since starting work on the apprenticeship. I’m hoping to stay on with Barratt and progress with them to become a site manager.”

Jack, who attends Prospects College in Basildon, said:

“I wanted to take a plumbing course but I couldn’t find an employer at first but then the Barratt apprenticeship was recommended to me and I was accepted on the course. I’ve really enjoyed the experience of being on site and learning while working.”

Terry Armstrong, Build Manager for Barratt Homes Eastern Counties, said:

“We were very pleased that Mr Baron was able to visit Gloucester Gate, to not only see how the development is progressing, but also to take time to talk to our apprentices. The apprenticeship scheme is very important to us at Barratt and Jordon, Connor and Jack are all proof of the benefits which can be gained from being an apprentice.”