Young joiner wins apprentice award as she builds career at Beal Homes

WINNER: Beal Homes apprentice Erin Symons is congratulated by chief executive Richard Beal, right, and construction director Andy Devine

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

A young joiner has won a prestigious award recognising her rapid progress as a star performer with housebuilder Beal Homes.

Erin Symons, 17, joined the business last year and is undertaking a two-year level two carpentry and joinery apprenticeship, learning her craft under the mentorship of East Yorkshire-based Beal’s team.

Now she has been named Construction Centre Apprentice of the Year in awards run by training provider Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) and held at the city’s Guildhall.

The HTAE Awards recognise and celebrate success among the provider’s apprentices and learners. Every year HTAE delivers training and education to more than 6,500 people of all ages and abilities, helping them achieve their learning goals and career aspirations.

Erin was nominated for the accolade by the family-owned business after winning Beal’s internal Apprentice of the Year award.

Beal construction director Andy Devine said: “Erin is a really valued member of our team and we’re delighted she has won this award. She has the skills, personality and passion to succeed and we’re looking forward to seeing her progress even further.

“Erin is very methodical and meticulous in her work and always exceeds what we’d expect on site. Her work matches the standard of someone completing a higher level qualification or already time-served within the industry.

“She has a fantastic rapport with everyone she meets on site and they hold her in such high regard.”

Andy said Erin first caught Beal’s attention when she contacted the company and asked if she could present her portfolio of work with the hope of securing an apprenticeship.

He said: “Erin came across very well and we knew straight away that she was going to be a great addition to the team.

‘THRILLED’: Apprentice joiner Erin Symons at work on a Beal Homes site

“Between myself, our contracts manager and two of our joiners, we’re collectively mentoring Erin and she is progressing very well.”

Erin’s apprenticeship, a City and Guilds NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry and Joinery, is facilitated by HTAE, which is one of Hull’s largest education providers offering apprenticeships, study programmes and part-time adult courses.

Erin will have the opportunity to complete a level three advanced craft qualification once she completes her apprenticeship next year.

Erin said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to win this award, alongside some brilliant apprentices who have all made a big impact in the businesses they work at.

“I was really determined to work for Beal Homes and have learnt so much already. Everyone I’ve worked with has been so supportive, which has helped me progress in my role much more quickly.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Beal who has made me feel really at home in the company and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for me.”