Education Secretary Visits Oval Village for National Apprenticeship Week Launch
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, visited Oval Village today to kick off National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting the importance of apprenticeships in developing careers and supporting the construction industry. The visit showcased the role apprentices play in key developments, such as the construction of Oval Village, and the significant impact they have on both individual careers and the broader economy.
During her visit, Secretary Phillipson met with apprentices from Lee Marley, a specialist contractor in brickwork and scaffolding, who are working on the Oval Village development. She also met apprentices from Berkeley Group, who are contributing to the project’s delivery. The visit offered a unique opportunity for the Secretary of State to observe a live bricklaying demonstration by the apprentices from Lee Marley, while engaging in discussions about their experiences and aspirations within the construction industry.
Berkeley Group took the opportunity to announce that applications for its prestigious apprenticeship programme are now open. The programme offers a range of opportunities across various business sectors, including technical, commercial, business, and site management. The application window for this sought-after programme will close on 28 March.
Paul Vallone, Chairman of Berkeley St Edward, expressed pride in the government’s recognition of the Lee Marley apprentices, whose work is critical to the Oval Village development, which will require over 3.5 million bricks to complete. He praised the Lee Marley Academy for playing a vital role in attracting and nurturing top talent in the bricklaying industry. Vallone also highlighted that at Oval Village, 37 apprentices have been supported, alongside nearly 200 local jobs, reinforcing the project’s commitment to skill-building and creating opportunities for the local community.
Dan Clarkson, Chief Operating Officer of Lee Marley, emphasized the future importance of apprenticeships to the construction sector. He explained that apprenticeships are essential for developing the skills needed for the industry’s future growth. Lee Marley currently has 107 apprentices in its programme, along with a dozen graduates, and plans to enroll 100 more apprentices over the next year to align with the government’s housing strategy. Clarkson noted that the goal is to strengthen the workforce and ensure the long-term success of the construction sector.
Lambeth Council Leader, Cllr Claire Holland, also attended the event and highlighted the importance of apprenticeship initiatives in her community. She spoke about Lambeth’s focus on providing young people with the best opportunities for their futures and stressed the importance of partnerships with businesses like Berkeley. The collaborative effort between local authorities and industry players is seen as crucial to ensuring young people are equipped with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the workforce.
Berkeley Group has long been committed to offering educational and career development opportunities. Currently, 9.5% of Berkeley’s employees are in ‘earn and learn’ roles, including more than 150 apprentices, 50 graduates, and 55 sponsored students. Over the past year, Berkeley has hosted nearly 200 career events with schools, colleges, and universities, as well as providing over 50 work experience placements. This focus on education and skill-building demonstrates Berkeley’s dedication to creating pathways for young people into the construction industry.
The Secretary of State’s visit to Oval Village serves as an important reminder of the value of apprenticeships, not only as a means of developing talent but also in helping the construction sector grow and evolve. The construction industry faces many challenges, including the need for a skilled workforce to meet the demand for new housing, infrastructure, and sustainable building solutions. Apprenticeships provide a direct response to these challenges, offering young people the chance to develop practical, hands-on skills while earning a wage and gaining industry-recognized qualifications.
National Apprenticeship Week 2023 marks an important milestone in showcasing the significance of apprenticeships in a variety of sectors. The construction industry, in particular, benefits greatly from apprenticeships as they help bridge the skills gap and ensure that new generations are equipped with the expertise required to drive forward the industry’s success. As construction projects like Oval Village continue to develop, the role of apprentices will remain crucial in shaping the future of the sector.
In conclusion, Bridget Phillipson’s visit to Oval Village not only celebrated the start of National Apprenticeship Week but also highlighted the critical role apprenticeships play in shaping the future of the construction industry. Through initiatives like the Berkeley Group’s apprenticeship programme and Lee Marley’s Academy, young people are being given the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to build successful careers. The collaborative efforts between the government, local authorities, and the construction sector will ensure that apprenticeships remain a key driver of both individual career development and the long-term success of the construction industry.
