Homegrown talent returns to build career with Allison Homes

For National Careers Week (2^nd to 7^th March), we are celebrating the return of our former apprentice Leland Moore, who has rejoined us as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager. Leland first joined our Central region in September 2022 as a carpentry apprentice, alongside studying at Stamford College. A year later, he was shortlisted for Construction Apprentice of the Year at the 2023 Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Awards.

Leland said: “I had an amazing experience as an apprentice; the support we all had was incredible. Allison Homes gave me a tool bag with everything I needed to get started, and if I was struggling in college I knew I could turn to them for help. I would 100 per cent recommend an apprenticeship to someone who wants to start in the building industry, and I would especially recommend doing it with Allison Homes.”

In early 2024, Leland completed his apprenticeship months ahead of schedule. He then became self-employed and worked full-time with a local subcontractor, until recently coming back to us in a trainee role. Leland continued: “I see much more of a future in this new role and at Allison Homes. Here, I see so much more of how a site is built and learn about all the different things that go into housebuilding. I also really like giving back to the community and seeing people move into their dream homes.

“I’m settling into my new role really well. I’m being given a lot of responsibility which I enjoy, such as getting plots ready for inspections and making sure all the trades have completed their work. My favourite part of being on site is talking to subcontractors, asking questions on what they’re doing and learning as much as possible.”

As a Trainee Assistant Site Manager, Leland is working on our Central region’s upcoming Violet Meadows development in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire. He added: “Allison Homes is an amazing employer and everyone is so helpful in answering any questions I have. The support I’m getting is brilliant, if I’m a bit unsure about something on site or in the office, I know I can ask for help.

“I would highly recommend working in the construction industry, you learn so many new skills and meet so many different people. When I left school, I never thought I’d have the skills I do now. My advice to current apprentices or young people considering joining the building trade is to stick at it, this industry is the best thing you can get into. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, no-one can take that skill away from you.”

Our apprenticeship scheme launched in 2021 and since then we have trained over 30 apprentices in various trades. Last year, we welcomed a new cohort of six bricklaying and carpentry apprentices. As part of the scheme, students are welcomed from colleges within Inspire Education Group, including Peterborough College and Stamford College, where we are also a sponsor of the innovative Modern Methods of Construction Centre.

Adam Knight, Managing Director at Allison Homes Central, said: “We are incredibly proud of Leland and are delighted to have him back at Allison Homes. He was a fantastic addition to the team as an apprentice, with an infectious enthusiasm and a keenness to learn, and it’s a pleasure to see him bring that same passion to his new role.

“Our apprenticeship scheme is a great source of pride for us. Our hope is always that former apprentices will return to us one day and eventually become site managers, and to see Leland do just that is the perfect example of how successful and impactful our apprenticeship scheme can be.”

National Careers Week is all about providing young people with careers guidance and free resources, helping them to develop awareness and excitement about their future pathways.