Novus Blog

After scooping the Novus Apprentice of the Year award at this year’s Excellence Awards, Kelvin, Senior Contracts Manager and Neil, Site Supervisor sat down with Aaron, Multi-Trades Apprentice to find out a little bit more about this young rising star

Why did you choose Novus to do your apprenticeship?

I chose Novus to do my apprenticeship because I discussed the opportunity with my family and looked at all the other opportunities that were being offered, I liked that the company had a strong presence within the town I live in and the work they have done within my local area.

What attracted you to your profession?

I chose the multi-trade apprenticeship because I wanted to learn most of the trades in the construction industry.

I liked the fact that I would get a good understanding about all the different trades that Novus had to offer; which I feel will benefit myself throughout my life and career.

What are your career aspirations?

My career aspirations are to become a fully qualified maintenance worker within Novus, another aspiration is to become a site manager or a site supervisor for the company.

What have you most enjoyed about your apprenticeship so far?

I have mostly enjoyed learning about the different trades in the company and learning about how to run a site as a site manager.

Is there any job you particularly enjoyed working on this year?

The job I have enjoyed working on most this year is a Wrexham roofing contract; this is because I have learnt a great deal about re-roofing and how to run a site to a high standard.

Earlier in my apprenticeship I went from site-to-site until Kelvin took me to one side and asked how I would feel about going on the Roofing contract with Neil as my mentor.

I jumped at the chance and since then, have not looked back.

Kelvin has spent a day a month with me on-site and in the office for me to demonstrate what I have learnt the past month.

Kelvin has fully supported me in my learning, alongside Neil, who has shown me the correct way to run a site, has supervised me doing site inductions and tool box talks, and always takes his time to go over things with me if I don’t understand them.

Jay, the TLO, has also spent time showing me what she does, how to liaise with the tenants, and what forms need to be completed before we do the job.

In turn, I’ve enjoyed helping Jay with all the fundraising events she does and even was asked to be the Novus Bear at one of these events.

I feel that I have achieved more in the last 18 months than I ever did before and want to thank all the team on the roofing contract for the education and skills I have picked along the way.

What advice would you give to any new apprentices?

The advice I would give to any new apprentices is to get stuck in with whoever you are working with and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

If you are ever unsure or want to know something specific, or if things are ever not going well in your apprenticeship, then would encourage you to speak to your manager.

They will always do their best to help, as Kelvin and Neil have helped and supported me over the course of my apprenticeship.

I would like to Thank Novus for the opportunity they have given me.

Want to learn more about the Novus apprenticeship scheme?

To register your interest in becoming a Novus apprentice, please contact us via our online form or send your CV to recruitment@novussolutions.co.uk