Two Shepton Mallet-based Aster Group apprentices have started their careers with £200 worth of tools and a toolbox gifted from Jewson Partnership Solutions.

Shea Rivers, aged 17, an apprentice electrician and Jamie Bartlett, aged 19, an apprentice carpenter, are two of 12 new Aster apprentices who received new tools to help kickstart their careers. The apprentices are being trained in a range of professions including electrical, plumbing and heating, surveying and carpentry.

Helen Schoolar, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Jewson Partnership Solutions, said: "Our donation of £200 vouchers per apprentice towards tools and equipment is a testament to our belief in the importance of empowering the next generation of skilled professionals with the tools and equipment they need to excel in their training and contribute to the growth of the construction industry.

"Apprenticeships are the backbone of the construction industry, providing a pathway for individuals to gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills and contribute to the ongoing success of the industry. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent and promoting education to help ensure long-term success of the sector."

Jess Scull, Apprenticeship Partner at Aster Group said: I am thrilled that Jewson Partnership Solutions recognise, as we do, the huge value of our apprenticeship schemes, developing future talent for the housing sector. Their generosity in gifting high-quality tools to our apprentices demonstrates our combined commitment to support skills development in our local communities."

Aster's apprenticeship programme enables people of all ages to learn and gain experience in a variety of roles across the business each year.

From 2015 to 2023, Aster has supported 82 apprentices in completing their training and becoming fully qualified in a variety of roles from plumbing and carpentry, to housing and finance. This has played a vital role in maintaining the pipeline of skilled people the Group needs coming up through the business, with a number of these apprentices going on to successfully progress their careers within the company.

You can find out more about Aster's apprenticeship programme at https://www.aster.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships.