Pictured: Left to right: Jack Jarvis, Dave Gladwin, Sandis Kupreicik, Steve Gelder, Michelle Guest and Nicola Hall
The Group has appointed two new apprentices from Lincoln College’s Construction Careers College in Gainsborough – the college Gelder Group was a joint founder of and continues to be the main sponsor.
The college, which is the first of its kind in the UK, was set up in 2016 by Lincoln College, Gelder Group and a number of other construction specialists, to help students prepare for a career in construction.
Lincolnshire-based Gelder Group has trained 300 apprentices since its formation as a two-man building outfit in 1988, and 96% of those were offered full time employment at the firm at the end of their apprenticeship.
Jack Jarvis, 17, and Sandis Kupreicik, 23, who are studying bricklaying at the college, today visited the firm to sign a 2 year apprenticeship contract.
Steve Gelder, CEO of Gelder Group, said:
The first person ever employed by Gelder Group started life as an apprentice and now 29 years on he’s still with the firm, which is just one of many who have joined us following an apprenticeship.
There is a massive shortage of workers in the construction industry across the UK and our mission has always been to support the next generation and reduce that gap as much as possible.
I asked students at the Construction Careers College to submit their CVs for this opportunity and it was Jack and Sandis that stood out due to their passion for the industry and eagerness to learn from our team. I’m looking forward to welcoming more apprentices over the coming years and to working with Jack and Sandis, I hope they enjoy their time with us.
Jack and Sandis’ appointments come just three months after the construction firm announced it will double its apprenticeship intake over the next three years.
The two students will spend four days a week onsite with the Gelder Group team and one day studying at college.
Mark Locking, Lincoln College Group managing director for education and training, said:
We are absolutely delighted that Gelder Group is taking on two of our Construction Career College students as apprentices.
Steve Gelder, who started out as a Lincoln College Apprentice, has been the driving force behind our Construction Career College, the first of its kind in the UK. His firm, along with many other local employers, have helped us to create employer-led training that produces highly skilled young people to support the local economy.
We’re really proud of Jack and Sandis and the fact they have secured apprenticeships with such a great local employer and we wish them all the best.
We are currently recruiting for next year’s intake at the Construction Career College. We would urge young people in the Gainsborough area, who are interested in a career in construction, where you can earn up to a £1,000 a week, to apply.
If you are interested to know more about apprenticeships with Gelder Group, please get in touch, or visit our Apprenticeships page.