‘Apprentice Mum’ building foundations for bright futures

An “apprentice Mum” at Hodgkinson Builders is doing her bit to help the country’s shortage of bricklayers.

Sophia Jelaca is relishing her role in business development and recruitment at the Derby-based construction company.

Speaking during National Apprenticeship Week, which shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy, Sophia spoke about how rewarding it is to help nurture the next generation of brickies.

Around 45 per cent of Federation of Master Builder (FMB) members reported difficulty hiring bricklayers, according to the latest FMB State of Trade Survey.

The continued lack of skilled labour is putting increasing pressure on builders, with 60 percent of members reporting delays in jobs. There are also fears of an increase in rogue traders, who exploit the situation.

And the Government’s pledge to build 300,000 homes by the mid-2020s seems unlikely, according to Ian Hodgkinson, managing director of Hodgkinson’s, unless a further 50,000 bricklayers are found.

There are currently eight apprentices at Hodgkinson’s.

Sophia said: “They have an on-site manager, and a bricklaying mentor, but Ian calls me their Apprentice Mum.

“The apprentices check in with me daily, with photographs of their work and any issues they may have. They also keep a diary which monitors work completed and quantities laid as well as sending their timesheets to me at the end of each week.”

The apprentices are currently working on the construction of the landmark apartment building on the site of the former Debenhams store in Derby’s Victoria Street, part of St James Securities £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme.

Hodgkinson Builders will soon be training its apprentices in partnership with the National House Building Council (NHBC).

A spokesperson for NHBC said: “‘NHBC is looking forward to welcoming apprentices from Hodgkinson Builders, who will be joining our bricklaying programme at our training hub in Tamworth in March.

“Apprentices will experience a realistic site environment and a syllabus focused around housebuilding within the standards required to achieve. We are excited to be supporting Hodgkinson Builders in addressing the skills shortage and homebuilders’ needs.”