Local housebuilder up for national award

ST MODWEN Homes, the housebuilder behind the new homes at Littlecombe in Dursley and Locking Parklands in Weston-super-Mare, has received national recognition for its commitment to tackling the current shortage of skills in the housebuilding industry.

The housebuilder is one of just six companies in the UK to be shortlisted in the Best Training and Recruitment category of this year’s Housebuilder Awards; a national awards programme aimed at celebrating best practice within the industry.

Over the past 12 months, St Modwen Homes has launched a bespoke trainee scheme, aimed at encouraging more people to enter the housebuilding industry; particularly those starting out in their careers.

It covers numerous specialisms including finance, site management, marketing, sales and construction.

Proving hugely successful to date, trainees now account for 12 per cent of St Modwen Homes’ workforce.

Dave Smith, Managing Director at St Modwen Homes, said: “Housebuilding, and indeed construction in general, is predominantly an ageing industry with very low levels of diversity. There is a skills gap on a technical, professional and trade level and this is only going to get worse as retirement looms for a high proportion of the industry’s workforce.

“By launching initiatives such as our trainee scheme we’re hoping to attract more people into the industry and provide a supportive environment in which they can develop a successful career. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our initiatives recognised as best practice in the industry at this year’s Housebuilder Awards.”

In addition to its trainee scheme, St Modwen Homes is also partnering with local colleges to help promote the construction industry; providing work experience and leading lectures and seminars on key topics.

Nearly 100 people have completed work experience at St Modwen Homes’ sites in the past year.

Additionally, St Modwen Homes has launched an initiative to increase the number of apprentices working for contractors on its housing developments.

This has led to a 10 per cent increase in apprentices.

The Housebuilder Awards are held in partnership with the NHBC (National House Building Council) and HBF (Home Builders Federation).

The winners of the awards will be announced in November.

Locking Parklands currently offers a range of two, three and five bedroom homes, with prices starting from £179,995 for a two bedroom apartment.

At Littlecombe, there is a selection of four bedroom houses, with prices starting at £385,995.

The Marketing Suite and Show Homes are open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5.30pm inclusive of the weekends.

More information can be found at stmodwenhomes.co.uk