Trainee joiner Tom wants to carve out a career after winning top apprentice award

Tom Trigg was destined for a career in sport and fitness until he figured he was better off getting a trade.

And things are certainly working out better for the Barnsley-born 20-year-old after he was awarded the title of 2017 Apprentice of the Year for Redrow Homes (Yorkshire).

“It was such a shock but, obviously, I’m really pleased,” said Tom. “It was something I thought I would like to get but I didn’t set my sights on it.

“I’m always on site early and I’m really motivated; I believe if you are going to do something you should do it well. But it helps that I love what I’m doing – I enjoy coming to work.”

The former Netherwood pupil started a sport and fitness diploma at Barnsley College when he first left school. A keen footballer, he played for numerous Sunday League sides and he was keen to continue.

“But as I got a bit older, I lost interest in that and I had always wanted to get a trade,” he added. “And I thought now was the time to do it.

“My step-mum Alison is an area sales manager for Redrow so she had told me all about the apprenticeship scheme – in fact she’d suggested I apply to get on it earlier. I looked into it myself and soon came to realise what a good company and training scheme it was. ”

September sees Tom starting his third year as an apprentice joiner under West Yorkshire Joinery, and he’s working mostly at Saxon Gardens and The Sycamores in Sherburn in Elmet, near Selby.

He spends most of the week on site being mentored and trained by West Yorkshire Joinery and attends Barnsley College on a day release basis to back up the hands-on learning with valuable theory.

“And, for me, it’s the best way to do it,” said Tom. “West Yorkshire Joinery is a great company and getting hands-on means that you pick things up far more quickly. They have always got time to show me something if I’m struggling and it means I am learning how to do things properly from the outset.”

Building homes is following in family footsteps for Tom, whose grandfather was a joiner and whose dad is a quantity surveyor. And, after taking the Apprentice of the Year title – which included a trophy, certificate cash prize and a bottle of bubbly – Tom is determined to carve out a career for himself with Redrow.

“I would definitely like to stay on with Redrow once I’ve qualified and hopefully get a good career for myself, going up the ladder. I would love to get into management eventually and, thankfully, that’s something that Redrow encourages. If I put my mind to it and work hard I know that, with them, it’s possible.”

James Poynor, managing director of Redrow Homes (Yorkshire), praised Tom, adding: Tom is doing exceptionally well on site and is also excelling on his course at Barnsley College. He has a mature approach to his work and study, and it is easy to see his determination in everything he does and we are delighted to recognise that.”

Apprentice plumber Lewis Moorhouse was highly commended in the same award scheme. Lewis, 20, from Wortley, West Leeds, has just completed his first year as an apprentice plumber, working with contractor John N Dunn at Redrow’s The Green development at Horsforth Vale.

Lewis was originally planning to go to university after A Levels but realised it wasn’t for him: “I went to Leeds College of Building and then was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship with Redrow last year. I’m earning and I’m learning, so it’s the best of both worlds, and I’m really enjoying it.”

James Poynor added: “Like Tom, Lewis shows a fantastic attitude to his work. He has had a great first year, so all credit to him.”

Redrow trainees like Tom and Lewis work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment in which there is opportunity for career development. The business offers a wide range of apprenticeships, including carpentry, electrical, bricklaying and plumbing, as well as office-based apprentices in a variety of administration, technical and commercial roles.

Around 15% of Redrow’s total workforce are apprentices or trainees and Redrow has been a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer for the last four years.

For more information on becoming an apprentice with Redrow, see the website: www.redrowcareers.co.uk/apprentices