14 Feb 2025
Robertson’s Apprenticeship Programme Delivers First Appointments
A partnership between Robertson Homes and East Durham College has resulted in two new construction apprenticeships months ahead of schedule.
The announcement coincides with National Apprenticeship Week which runs from 10th to 16th February. As part of the ‘Developing Futures’ collaboration, students at East Durham College are mentored by Robertson Homes and our supply chain of trades companies in North East England, attending masterclasses and also gaining construction experience on our North East housing developments.
Initially aiming to create new apprenticeship roles at the end of the first year in summer 2025, such was the quality of the students’ attitude and ability, two students have already been offered apprenticeship programmes with Middlesbrough-based PJS Brickwork.
Ethan Slack and Mackenzie Armstrong will be joining PJS Brickwork after successfully completing their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) tests and impressing their new employers on work trials.
A further eight students from the Developing Futures programme are on track to begin apprenticeships in brickwork, joinery, electrical, painting and decorating and plumbing by the end of the summer term.
Andy Dodds, regional director at Robertson Homes, said: “Having only launched Developing Futures in September 2024, we were optimistically looking to secure the first apprenticeship positions for the learners after the completion of the full academic year in July 2025, so to have given two young people fantastic new career opportunities already is testament to the quality of East Durham College’s construction faculty and the hard work and dedication of the Robertson Homes team and our highly skilled panel of trades professionals.
“The construction industry provides a wealth of rewarding career opportunities and also plays an important role in boosting local economies and I am thrilled that our collaboration has already had such a positive impact on the lives of local young people with many more to follow in the near future.”
Scott Bullock, principal and CEO of East Durham College, added: “I was eagerly anticipating seeing some of our first Developing Futures cohort beginning exciting new careers in construction later this year, so to be creating such opportunities six months ahead of schedule is incredibly satisfying and I wish both the best of luck as they begin their new apprenticeships.”
