Apprentice at Yate’s newest care home shares advice for a career in construction

Ahead of National Careers Week, a local apprentice has shared his experience working on Yate’s newest care home.

Jack Stevenson is working on Care UK’s Ladden View, on Fletcher Road, where construction started in spring 2023. The home has already hit major milestones and is expected to welcome the first residents in autumn, when main contractor, Kori Construction, hand over the reins to Care UK.

Supporting the build of the brand-new home, under the guidance of construction experts Kori, is 23-year-old Quantity Surveyor, Jack. Jack began his apprenticeship with Kori in 2020, after deciding he wanted a change of career having previously studied mechanical and electrical engineering.

Jack said: “From a young age I was intrigued by construction and was lucky enough to undertake some work experience with Kori in 2015 – which then evolved into summer holiday employment and giving me a great chance to expand my knowledge.

“When the opportunity came up to complete an apprenticeship with the team, I couldn’t resist!”

As part of his apprenticeship, Jack is working towards a degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at Nottingham Trent University, with plans to graduate in 2025. 

Ladden View is the second project Jack has worked on for Care UK, he was also part of the team overseeing the completion of Cuttlebrook Hall, in Thame, which celebrated its official opening earlier this year.

As a main contractor quantity surveyor for the newbuilds, Jack’s key responsibilities include preparing tenders and evaluating bids from subcontractors, monitoring project costs, procurement of materials and services, and collaborating with project teams and stakeholders to ensure successful and timely delivery of projects.

Commenting on his favourite part of the job, Jack explained: “It’s hard to pick just one! It’s incredible to work in such a positive work environment alongside knowledgeable professionals and to have so many opportunities for growth – the sky really is the limit in construction!

“I’ve felt supported throughout my time as an apprentice, but one of the highlights is definitely seeing the end product upon completion of the projects and knowing the impact it will have on others, especially to future residents and team members within the homes.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand how hard Care UK work to integrate within the surrounding community. At Cuttlebrook Hall, we invited a local school for a site visit and welcomed the mayor for the topping out ceremony – which we also recently did here at Ladden View too. We’ve already had some incredible feedback which has made the experience even more gratifying!”

Offering advice for others considering an apprenticeship, Jack said: “I’m a huge advocate for apprenticeships – they offer hands-on experience, specialised training and tailored mentorship. I’m hoping that having done an apprenticeship, I’ll find transitioning to full-time employment a lot easier as I’m already cultivating industry-specific knowledge and building a valuable network – plus they don’t come with all the extra student debt!”

Justin Daley, Development Project Manager at Care UK, added: “Here at Care UK, we’re not just passionate about supporting the residents to live fulfilling lives, but our team too!

“Jack is a fantastic example of the work and dedication that goes into building every one of our care homes – and Ladden View is no exception. The new home is being built to the highest standards, with the layout of the building configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and to incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities.

“On behalf of everyone here at Care UK, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Jack and the rest of the Kori Construction team for all their hard work – we’re can’t wait to open the doors to Ladden View later this year!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new Care UK home will provide full-time residential and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, for up to 75 older people.