Apprenticeships shaping the future of Barr Build

At Barr Build, we have always believed that every successful project begins with people. Apprenticeships are central to that belief, offering a route into construction for people of all ages and backgrounds while combining formal college training with real experience on site.

Throughout the week, we are reflecting on the role apprentices play within our teams. Across our sites and partner colleges, they are learning the foundations of site carpentry. Their time is split between the classroom and live projects, allowing theory to be tested immediately in the real world. Pictured above, Site Manager James Easton has been working alongside apprentice Mark Norfolk on the measuring, preparation and installation of a new timber window sill – from setting out and cutting to levelling and finishing.

We are proud to be supporting four apprentices this year, all of whom attend college alongside their work with us. Finlay Noonan is studying at Bedford College, while Alfie Batt is undertaking his training at Abingdon & Witney College’s Bicester Campus. Mark Norfolk is also based at the Bicester Campus and began his apprenticeship at the age of 54, showing that it is never too late to begin a new profession, and that experience gained in other careers can be a real asset on site. A year ahead of them, Stan Turner is continuing his second year of study and is taking on increasing responsibility within our project teams.

For Barr Build, investing in apprentices is about protecting standards and nurturing the values we want our company to stand for. The quality of the work we deliver in the years to come will depend on the people we train today, whatever stage of life they join us.

As National Apprenticeship Week runs from 9–13 February, we celebrate their hard work and the wider apprenticeship community across the industry. Their commitment keeps the skills of construction alive, and we are proud to support them as they develop careers that will shape both their own futures and the places we all live and work.

Anyone interested in starting a career in site carpentry, or in retraining from another profession, can contact Charlie Barr or visit our apprenticeship page for more information.