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12
Feb
Harrogate construction firms urged to give a chance to teen who has applied for hundreds of jobs
Harrogate construction firms have been urged to give an opportunity to a local teenager who has applied for hundreds of jobs.
Jake Dunn, 18, from Bilton, completed his BTEC Level 2 in bricklaying at Harrogate College.
Despite strong references, his own tools and workwear, and a hunger to work in the trade, the teenager has been unable to secure a permanent apprenticeship.
Before turning 18, Jake had already been let go three times due to lack of work, shrinking project pipelines, and employers unwilling or unable to commit to minimum wage costs or support his college training.
Now, after repeated setbacks and periods of unemployment, a leading figure in the construction world has appealed to firms to give him an opportunity.
Ian Hodgkinson, project manager on the BBC television show DIY SOS and a building and business consultant with more than 40 years of industry experience, is backing Jake as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
He said:
The construction sector is struggling to offer young people the start and the training needed to qualify. Changes in government funding, rising costs and wage pressures mean many firms have stepped back from taking on apprentices.
Like many young people, Jake has approached hundreds of companies only to be told they are not recruiting or can only offer cash-in-hand work. For anyone serious about learning and qualifying in a trade, that is disheartening and concerning.
Ian Hodgkinson
Mr Hodgkinson discovered Jake’s situation on the business networking site LinkedIn, and believes the issue goes far beyond one individual.
He said:
In the 1960s and 70s, the UK was producing and laying between six and seven billion bricks a year. Last year, that figure was just 1.3 billion. At a time when the population is larger and housing demand is higher than ever, that should ring alarm bells.
'I just want the chance to prove myself'
Jake is looking for a brickwork apprenticeship in Harrogate and the surrounding North Yorkshire area.
He said he is available immediately, willing to travel and is hoping to pass his driving test shortly.
He is keen to continue his studies and gain full qualifications while working on-site.
He said:
I just want the chance to prove myself. I enjoy bricklaying, I enjoy being on site and I am prepared to work hard and learn from experienced tradespeople.
Local construction companies, developers and building contractors who are in a position to offer an apprenticeship or structured on-site training are being encouraged to come forward.
Jake’s LinkedIn profile can be found here.
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