Apprenticeships help build loyalty and engagement from day one, says Chris Bailey, Group Skills Development Manager at Barratt Redrow.
How would you describe Barratt Redrow’s approach to apprenticeships?
Our approach to apprenticeships is strategic rather than transactional. They are a vital part of how we build capability – not just in our business, but across the wider sector. We focus on developing long-term talent pipelines, supporting future skill needs, delivering high quality learning, and ensuring our opportunities are open to a wide and diverse talent pool.
How important are they to your long-term workforce strategy?
Apprenticeships underpin our ability to address industry-wide skills shortages and build home grown talent to support the next generation of business leaders.
What makes a good apprentice?
A good apprentice is someone with the right mindset and a desire to learn and grow. As an apprentice, you don’t need previous experience, but you should possess resilience, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
What do you think sets your apprenticeship programmes apart from others in the housebuilding sector?
Our programmes stand out because we focus on delivering high-quality programmes that lead to strong outcomes. We work closely with our training partners to ensure we move with current needs in the sector. Our apprentices receive pastoral support on site, which helps them feel like part of the team from the very beginning.
How do you make sure apprentices develop not just technical skills, but the wider capabilities they’ll need for long-term careers?
We focus on developing individuals as a whole, rather than just focusing on their technical expertise. Alongside practical skills, we support the development of build communication, teamwork abilities, professional behaviours, confidence and resilience. We also support the leadership potential and development of those seeking to grow further. Our aim is to develop well-rounded people.
How are you encouraging young people, and career changers, to take that first step?
We work closely with schools to help demystify stigmas around apprenticeships and the construction industry. Through our outreach work, we showcase the real stories of our apprentices and share the breadth of opportunities available in the sector.
Retention is a major issue across construction. How do apprenticeships help you hold on to skilled people?
Apprenticeships help build loyalty and engagement from day one. By creating clear pathways and progression opportunities within both the business and the wider sector, we make sure our apprentices have a strong sense of belonging and feel invested in their trade. They become part of the company culture early on, which helps strengthen long-term retention.”
How do you use social media to engage with potential apprentices and the wider industry?
“Social media plays an important role in showcasing the authentic stories of our apprentices. We regularly encourage them to talk about their experiences online. Looking ahead, we also see opportunities to further develop our social media presence to reach new audiences and highlight the breadth of careers available in housebuilding.”
How do you measure whether your apprenticeship programmes are truly successful?
We like to look beyond completion rates when measuring success. We monitor and review the retention and progression of our apprentices, as well as diversity and inclusion metrics. We also gather regular feedback from apprentices and their managers, and work closely with our training partners to continually improve the programmes.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for developing apprenticeships at Barratt Redrow over the next few years?
Our priority is to expand into new and emerging skill areas, while strengthening how they support leadership and specialist career pathways within the business. We will also continue to maximise the use of apprenticeship funding to reinvest in talent development. Ultimately, we want our programmes to play a key role in developing both our own people and the wider workforce.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in housebuilding today?
Be open minded, willing to learn, and ready to jump at any opportunity. The housebuilding industry offers a wide range of careers beyond the traditional trades, so be sure to look at all roles available. If you bring the right attitude and are prepared to work hard, an apprenticeship can be the start of a highly rewarding and long-lasting career.
