Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a job with training, and is open to anyone who is 16 and over. There’s no upper age limit. You’ll work alongside experienced staff and gain job-specific qualifications.

Apprenticeships mean you are employed and will earn while you learn, so you can gain an industry specific qualification without needing a student loan. You’re employed full-time (35 hours per week), which includes the time spent with your training provider.

We currently have eight construction apprentices, two of which are female – that’s 25%. We also have two office-based apprenticeships, one in our Communications team and one in our Sustainability team.

Apprenticeships at Melin

For a list of current apprenticeships take a look at our Vacancies Portal.

Electrical

The job of an electrician is varied and interesting.

Some of the things that an electrician apprentice will be expected to do:

• Install, maintain and repair electrical services (for example lighting, sockets, fire alarms, emergency lighting & heating controls)
• Work indoors and outdoors and be prepared to sometimes work at height
• Be encouraged to work on their own initiative
• Develop good working relationships with people
• Read both building and engineering drawings
• Understand wiring and circuit diagrams
• Select (within limits) materials and equipment
• Inspect and test electrical installations
• Diagnose and rectify faults on a range of circuits and equipment
• Write reports and understand risk assessments

Gas and plumbing

You will learn the skills required to become a Plumber and a qualified Gas Engineer which will offer you a rewarding and interesting career.

Some of the things an apprentice will be required to do:

• Work at height
• Build relationships
• Understand heating control wiring and circuit diagrams
• Choose materials and equipment
• Inspect and test installations
• Diagnose and fix faults
• Write reports

Carpentry

As an apprentice carpenter, you will be hands-on at every stage of the building process.

Some of the things an apprentice will be required to do:

• Measuring, marking up, cutting, shaping, fitting and finishing timber
• Using a range of hand and power tools
• Fitting interiors
• Gaining knowledge of different types of wood and their uses
• Working in resident homes
• Carrying out jobs in dusty conditions, or working outdoors in all weather and at height.

Painting and decorating

A rewarding hands-on career.

Some of the things an apprentice will be required to do:

• Applying paint, stains, varnishes and other finishes
• Using brushes, rollers or spraying equipment
• Applying primers and undercoats, or varnishes and glazes
• Wallpapering
• Calculating the materials needed for a project
• Laying dust sheets to protect areas from paint
• Preparing surfaces for decorating by filling holes and sealing cracks
• Tidying up and cleaning your tools
• Working in residents homes.

We do not currently have any vacancies for apprentices.

Katie’s story

“This is such a great opportunity and a trade for life.” Katie tells us.

When I was at school I didn’t know what I wanted to do. All I knew was that I wasn’t sure if University was for me, and I couldn’t imagine myself sitting at a desk every day.

I had volunteered for Melin’s youth group for four years since I was 14. During this time I attended a contractor event and it struck me that the industry was very male dominated. I liked that Melin was passionate about increasing gender equality within construction, this was something that meant a lot to me too. I volunteered within the electrical team and after a few days decided this was definitely the job for me.

I registered with a work-based learning provider, you have to pass exams that test your Maths and English, but I did it. I only had to wait a few months and an apprenticeship came up and I was successful at the interview.

There is no such thing as a typical week, I attend college one day a week and then shadow different members of the electrical team. Everyone is so friendly and I love that we are keeping residents safe in their homes. In fact meeting all the residents is the favourite part of my job.

I recently passed my driving licence and even though I have only been here six months I feel more and more confident each day. I am glad I took the opportunity to volunteer, and now I have a trade for life.

If you are inspired by Katie’s story why not join our youth group – Yep!

Have you considered a career in construction?

Careers in construction are varied and offer a range of opportunities to suit everybody.

The Go Construct website has loads of information about the hundreds of jobs available, and a fun quiz to help you find the right career path for you.