We are delighted to announce Barratt Developments as our July Employer of the month. The local division of the country’s largest and best known house builder has also broken new ground this year by appointing the UK’s first ever marketing apprentice.

How many Apprentices do you employ, what do they do and what courses are they on?

Barratt Developments has long appointed apprentices in bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing but this innovative initiative, in the year that the company celebrates its 60th anniversary, takes apprenticeships in a completely new direction.

18 year old Barney Munn, from Cullompton, will study over 18 months for an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Marketing. Barney will work with the marketing team in delivering highly engaging digitally-focused marketing plans to support the sales targets for the division.

The role will also include helping create engaging website content and combine this with high quality imagery/video as well as managing the research for future development websites. The apprentice will also have an opportunity to accompany the rest of the marketing team on visits to the developments across Devon and Cornwall.

In addition to the marketing role, there are 13 apprentices at Barratt David Wilson in Exeter covering carpentry with 10 bricklaying and one each in technical and commercial. All will work towards NVQ levels two and three.

Why do you employ Apprentices in your company?

As the leading developer in the UK, the company has a well-structured training programme which ensures each and every apprentice has the opportunity to progress in their chosen career. Nationally the group has been named in the Top 100 Apprentice Employers list for 3 years, and in 2014 was named the National Apprenticeship Service BT Macro Employer of the Year.

Paul Moran, the managing director in Exeter, said:

We are thrilled to have been named as Employer of the Month by Exeter College, who are a valued partner. As one of the country's top developers we are absolutely committed to developing raw talent – it is after all vital to our future – and I believe that we have a duty to provide these kinds of apprenticeship opportunities. Barratt is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and we are extremely proud of our apprenticeship scheme and the talented team members that have passed through it and stayed with the company over the years.

He explained:

In Exeter our professional training combines both on-site development with work in the classroom. Most importantly, our programmes allow youngsters to gain industry recognised qualifications whilst at the same time building invaluable connections with experienced professionals and people with specialist technical knowledge throughout the industry. Underlining the importance of the scheme, the personal development of each apprentice is overseen by one of our own directors.”

How do Apprentices add value to your business and what do they bring to your team?

From Barratt’s point of view apprentices really energise our business and bring a refreshing new perspective to things. Their presence is also excellent for the morale of the team. Seeing a youngster come into the business and grow, learn new skills and take on responsibility is really satisfying. We all recognise that apprentices of today are our fellow professionals of tomorrow.”

For more information about becoming an apprentice with Exeter College please click here.