Had it not been for a broken foot and being unable to work as a pub waitress, Ellie wouldn’t have found her way to working for Torbay-based housebuilder Cavanna Homes, and subsequently, named as its Apprentice of the Year.

Ellie joined Cavanna Homes as a technical apprentice in October 2023 after she’d made the difficult decision a year before to leave her sixth form where she was studying for her A-Levels.

She explained: “Because of the pandemic, all my lessons were from home which I found tough. I really enjoyed science and was looking forward to the practical work in biology, but because of remote learning, there was none.”

Ellie took a full-time job as a pub waitress and worked her way up to a supervisor, but when she dropped a beer barrel, causing a broken foot, she was forced to stop and take time off to recover.

“Whilst I was at home resting, I realised I wanted to do something entirely different and spent a lot of time researching new career opportunities.

“I saw the Technical Apprenticeship at Cavanna Homes on Indeed and knew instantly that it was for me. I’d always been interested in construction and particularly liked the sound of reviewing and signing off on the architectural and engineering drawings of the houses. The job also meant I could earn money whilst working towards gaining a qualification – something that was important to me because I didn’t complete my A-Levels. It was fate!”

Since joining Cavanna Homes, Ellie says she’s found her feet and loves experiencing everything housebuilding has to offer, especially the role of the technical team.

From meetings with archaeologists, to helping decide what new and sustainable materials should be used for the homes, Ellie said: “Every day is so different, and construction is such a fascinating industry to work in. I never realised jobs like mine existed.”

When she’s not on-site, liaising with consultants or keeping up to speed with changing building regulations, she’s at Exeter College for the theory side of her apprenticeship. The course consists of classroom learning, assignments and exams, including a 12-hour exam which Ellie will complete over a period of three days in March.

She explained: “We will receive a brief on the first day of the exam, which could be something like ‘design a drive-through coffee shop’ and will need to consider measurements of the drive through and the space inside the coffee shop for the equipment and staff, as well as the provision of parking.”

During the exam she’ll complete lined drawings, as well as a 3D model using Sketch-Up, software she’s learnt how to use through the apprenticeship.

Ellie was named the firm’s Apprentice of the Year in its 2024 Awards. She said: “It was a complete shock and totally unexpected. It was amazing to be recognised for my hard work, dedication and also for my good banter!

“I am very proud of myself for what I have achieved, so much so that I’ve taken my parents to one of our sites in Exeter on the weekend so I can show them what I’ve been working on. Neither of them work in construction, so I really enjoy telling them what I’ve learnt and the technicalities of my job.”

Ellie’s apprenticeship will finish in June 2025, at which point she hopes to stay with Cavanna Homes. “It’s a fantastic company and the family ethos shines through. We are proud of the homes we provide for people and the new communities we build.

“I am passionate about all things technical! I would encourage young people – especially women – to explore the various careers in construction. It’s exciting and there is so much variety, no day is the same.”

Learn more about construction apprenticeships at the Exeter College Construction Expo

If you’re thinking about an apprenticeship or you’re a business considering an apprentice, you can contact the Apprenticeship Team by calling 01392 400800 or by emailing apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk