Joiner goes the extra mile for Beverley Housing Charity

A former apprentice, who is now a fully qualified joiner with Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm Hobson & Porter, has been recognised for both the quality of his work, as well as going the extra mile for clients.

Aaron Wilson joined Hobson & Porter in 2017 and completed a three-year apprenticeship in joinery, whilst working alongside experienced members of the team. Aaron has worked on several projects including the new Methodist Church in Driffield and medical centres in both Scunthorpe and Scarborough. Currently he is part of a small team working for Beverley Housing Charity on a programme of improvement works to modernise and enhance its portfolio of Almshouses in the town.

His work is now being highlighted as part of National Apprenticeship Week which runs from 5^th to the 11^th of February. Chief executive, Andy Barber from Beverley Housing Charity, said: “Aaron has not only taken the time to get to know us as a charity, but also our residents. Aaron shows genuine care and attention to detail and wants to understand how the work he and his team are carrying out will impact local people.

“On several occasions Aaron has gone above and beyond, making residents on site feel not only safe, but also cared for. He’s carried residents’ shopping upstairs for them and helped deal with a sensitive issue with a resident who has memory loss.

“Aaron regularly brightens up our residents’ days, especially when the bad weather stops them from going out. Aaron is not just an exemplar employee of Hobson & Porter and a talented joiner, but despite his young years, he is a mature and caring citizen and a real pleasure to work with.”

HR Director Jacquie Blades, from Hobson & Porter, said: “As soon as Aaron started with us, we could see how dedicated he was to his apprenticeship and his commitment remains just as strong to this day, six years on. Aaron is courteous, well-mannered and has a pleasant demeanour, always presenting himself well to colleagues and clients and we are not at all surprised by the commendation from Beverely Housing Charity.

“Always fully focussed on any task in hand, he is well thought of by all his colleagues, and we are delighted that the charity has recognised him too. We of course will support him in the next steps of his career and can’t wait to see what he achieves next.”

Aaron, who is 24 years old said: “I’m lucky that I really love what I do. I knew that an apprenticeship would be the best route into construction for me and Hobson & Porter have supported me every step of the way. I’m 100% behind apprenticeships and have loved the hybrid learning opportunities the career path has given me. I would wholeheartedly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone currently considering one.

“I hope to develop further in my career to become a site manager, and I have recently completed the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme to help with this. Working at Beverley Housing Charity is a particular highlight to date as I get to meet so many interesting people and make a real difference to their lives, whilst also taking the opportunity to supervise my own project for the first time. I would like to pay special thanks to my colleagues Mark Tomlinson and Dave Brown amongst others for their steadfast support and mentorship.” Hobson & Porter has a rolling apprenticeship scheme for more than 45 years and is wholeheartedly committed to training and development to help address the skills shortages in the construction industry. As part of its award-winning Foundations initiative, the firm also helps signpost apprentices towards organisations within its own supply chain. Hobson & Porter also has an additional 15 team members enrolled on training plans and higher and further education courses.