Ryebridge has renewed impetus in providing first-hand mentorship and invaluable practical support for its team of apprentices.
Through a structured apprenticeship programme, Ryebridge invests in the next generation of construction professionals, combining site and office-based learning with part-time college courses, providing apprentices with hands-on experience and academic knowledge.
The company is currently employing six apprentices across a wide range of fields including accountancy, project management and quantity surveying, who split their time between working and studying at various educational establishments.
James Arnall is studying for a degree in civil engineering at the University of Herts, Nancy Tucker is working on L3 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) at Bedford College, Mason Pender is at London Southbank working on his quantity surveying BSc, Ronnie Costen is studying L4 site management at Bedford College, Finn Scully is working on his L3 survey technician QS at Bedford, and Max Banham is at the University of Herts studying a foundation degree in site management.
Speaking at the company’s annual apprenticeship breakfast, managing director Sean Scully told them there would be a renewed focus from within the company on providing them with hands-on experience alongside different teams, ensuring they are constantly learning even when away from college.
Managing director Sean Scully said: “You’re the future of this company. This is the best company I’ve ever worked for - the environment’s great, the culture’s great, the people are lovely and we’re very passionate about it, and there is a massive future for you all here if this is the route you want to go down.”
Company owner Daniel Coyle added: “You’ll get a lot more practical experience here than you will at college, but there’s a reason why you go to college and that’s to learn the basics and see how It all fits together.”
This past year has included spending a week transforming a corner of the grounds at Woodlands Secondary School into a sensory garden to provide a calm space for students with complex needs to regulate in a tranquil and beautiful environment.
The apprentices were involved in the full design and delivery of the scheme, including sourcing materials and carrying out the actual work, providing them with invaluable first-hand experience of project management.
Moving forwards, all of the apprentices will be given the opportunity to spend time working on major projects and to shadow key members of senior staff like health, safety and wellbeing manager Karen Carter, contracts manager Don Wall and project manager Salvo Cardinale.
There will also be training provided in areas like programming, and the chance to research the benefits of new technology becoming available to the construction industry.
Earlier this year Ryebridge was highly commended in the Best Small Employer for Apprenticeships category of the inaugural Luton Apprenticeship Awards, which recognised companies that excel in providing apprenticeships, with a strong focus on mentorship, targets growth, and opportunities for professional and personal development.
Ryebridge apprentices with owner Daniel Coyle.