Two trade apprentices have had their careers kickstarted after being gifted £200.

Bryce Kilcoyne,17, from Wareham and Dominic Thickett, 20, from Weymouth, are two of 12 new Aster apprentices who received new tools and a toolbox from Jewson Partnership Solutions.

The apprentices are being trained in a range of professions including electrical, plumbing and heating, surveying and carpentry.

They met for the first time at a Jewson branch where they collected their tools and toolboxes.

Bryce said: “I chose an apprenticeship with Aster and wanted to become an electrician because I knew from school I wasn’t a pen and paper type of person.

“I wanted a job that was hands on as I work better physically as I’m fully engaged using my brain and my hands.

“Having the tool donations means I am able to do jobs a lot easier and it will support me in college.”

Dominic added: “I chose an apprenticeship so I can learn on the job whilst becoming qualified over the four years, knowing exactly what I need to do.

“I feel as if there is a perfect balance of learning and training within the electrical apprenticeship with Aster since I am more of a visualiser, it helps me the most when I am shown and taught which is why the apprenticeship is really beneficial to me.

“Using the toolbox and tools Jewson Partnership Solutions kindly gifted, means I can be more efficient on a job and prepares me for the future.”

Aster’s apprenticeship programme enables people of all ages to learn and gain experience in a variety of roles across the business each year.

From 2015 to 2023, Aster has supported 82 apprentices in completing their training and becoming fully qualified in a variety of roles from plumbing and carpentry, to housing and finance.

This has played a vital role in maintaining the pipeline of skilled people the group needs coming up through the business, with a number of these apprentices going on to successfully progress their careers within the company.

Jess Scull, apprenticeship partner at Aster Group, said: “I am thrilled that Jewson Partnership Solutions recognise, as we do, the huge value of our apprenticeship schemes, developing future talent for the housing sector. Their generosity in gifting high-quality tools to our apprentices demonstrates our combined commitment to support skills development in our local communities.”

Helen Schoolar, head of strategic partnerships at Jewson Partnership Solutions, added: "Our donation of £200 vouchers per apprentice towards tools and equipment is a testament to our belief in the importance of empowering the next generation of skilled professionals with the tools and equipment they need to excel in their training and contribute to the growth of the construction industry.

“Apprenticeships are the backbone of the construction industry, providing a pathway for individuals to gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills and contribute to the ongoing success of the industry. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent and promoting education to help ensure long-term success of the sector."

You can find out more about Aster’s apprenticeship programme at https://www.aster.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships.