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.
