After working closely with our employment advisor Michael Wragg, Wolverhampton-based UK construction business Interclass welcomed two new apprentices last month.

Interclass provides construction, surfacing and civil engineering services to customers in both the public and private sector. Its company mission is to build a legacy of excellence by developing high performing people that deliver successful projects.

Celebrating its 45th year in business, Interclass is a family owned company, originally established as a groundworks contractor in 1976. As a principal contractor, Interclass is now responsible for managing and delivering construction projects up to £10m in value across multiple sectors. It also provides civil engineering and surfacing solutions through its in-house subcontractors.   

Interclass has always been committed to apprenticeships and has recently welcomed Jack Hems and Jacob Ellis to its team. Think Sandwell employment advisor Michael helped to identify the two suitable apprentices and assisted Interclass with the recruitment process. 

Jack has joined Interclass as an apprentice quantity surveyor and will assist its delivery team in overseeing the commercial aspects of its projects. 

Jack’s interest in construction stemmed from his family, he said: “From a young age I was always around construction due to having family working in the construction industry. Through watching small projects be completed I began to enjoy having little challenges set for me where I would calculate the quantity and costs of a material being used/needed on a small scale which gradually got more complicated. This led me to follow a path into construction and specifically quantity surveying.”

Jacob has joined Interclass as an apprentice site manager and is currently gaining some valuable site experience across some live projects. When asked what he is looking forward to most Jacob said: “Coming onto site everyday knowing that all days will never be the same and everyday be faced with a new challenge. I am also looking forward to working with a range of people and going onto many different sites experiencing different things and overall, just learning lots!”

Both apprentices join Interclass having already achieved a Level 3 BTEC in Construction and the Built Environment and will be enrolled on a suitable apprenticeship degree course this year.

Peter Hood, construction director at Interclass, said: “We recognise that our apprentices provide our skilled workers for the future and tend to become highly motivated and loyal members of staff.

“We are delighted to welcome Jack and Jacob to the team and wish them all the very best and what we hope to be a long and successful career at Interclass.”

Des O’Neill, managing director at Interclass, added: “It is vitally important to the construction industry in terms of combating the skills shortage, as well as the growth and sustainability of Interclass, that we continue to invest in apprentices and our future workforce, to provide the business with the skills for continued success.”

Michael said: “As a council we are very committed to apprentices and getting people into employment.  Think Sandwell wants to make as many opportunities as possible – like apprenticeships – available to our young local people to help them feel equipped and build their skills and confidence so they can go on to rewarding jobs.”

If you’d like to find out more information about adding social value as part of your company’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) practice or your social value commitment under a contractual agreement visit our Social value page.

Photo: Jack Hems (left) and Jacob Ellis (right)