And he has first-hand experience of how apprenticeships can lead to a fabulous career in construction having started in the industry himself as an apprentice bricklayer and worked his way up to the role of construction director at Kellen Homes.
Tony landed an apprenticeship at the age of 16, following in the footsteps of his dad who was also a bricklayer. He learned the trade working alongside experienced bricklayers and over the course of his career has risen through the ranks as Assistant Site Manager, Site Manager and Contracts Manager, to his role today as Construction Director.
He now leads the construction across all Kellen Homes developments, ensuring the builds are on time, on budget, and delivered to the highest standards.
His career path has instilled in Tony the importance of apprenticeships for the building industry. He explained: “The construction industry is competing for its workforce and so it makes sense for us to be encouraging young people to join as apprentices. They can learn the trade and qualify while earning money at the same time.
“These are great jobs that offer career progression and good rewards, and as an industry we have to be growing our own talent if we are going to have a workforce for the future.”
And his decades of experience have taught Tony how to spot good potential in young people. According to him they need drive, enthusiasm and the backing of their family. He explained: “You have to be willing to get out of bed on a cold morning and get to work and for young people it really helps if you have the support of your family and the drive and enthusiasm to want a career in the building trade.
“These are skills that once you learn, you never lose.”
And the rewards are considerable. Apprenticeships can be the first step on the building trade career ladder. Kellen Homes currently has eight apprentices on their scheme, all hand selected by Tony. He said: “I look for people with initiative, a willingness to learn and ask questions and put the work in. There are lots of opportunities and this is a great industry offering good jobs with bright futures.”
