An apprentice has been named best in the Midlands by a local housebuilder.

Alexander Tracey, aged 20 from Stafford, scooped the Redrow Homes Midlands’ Apprentice of the Year title, thanks to the strong sense of pride he shows in his work each and every day.

His grandad instilled the importance of learning a trade and having a skill from an early age, and when Alexander spotted a news segment on the shortage of bricklayers in the UK, he decided that would be the vocation for him – applying to college and securing a Redrow apprenticeship as a bricklayer.

Thriving in the hands-on environment, Alexander has always been very practical, enjoying being on his feet and spending most of his time outdoors.

Alexander, who is currently working at the housebuilder’s Priory Park and Church View developments in Stafford, said:

“I’m so pleased to be named apprentice of the year for the Midlands. Redrow has given me all the tools I need to have the best possible start in my career, and it’s brilliant to have my hard work recognised in this way.

“For anyone thinking about a career in the housing industry, an apprenticeship is a brilliant way to start out. You learn a lot, and pick things up incredibly quickly because you’re hands on – all while being paid, which is a real bonus.”

Graham Micklewright, Managing Director for Redrow Midlands, said:

“We are all very proud of Alexander. He takes great pride in his work, and always ensures everything he does is of the highest possible standard – he thoroughly deserved to be named the Midlands winner.

“He is setting a wonderful example to all those thinking of future careers in the housebuilding sector and he’s a fantastic asset to the Redrow Midlands team – thank you Alexander for all your hard work.”

Redrow’s award-winning apprenticeship and trainee schemes are industry-leading and currently support almost 300 people in trade, administration, technical and commercial roles.

Redrow has one of the industry’s best records for training and developing its staff, and as a member and patron of The 5% Club, Redrow is committed to ensuring at least 5% of its work force is made up of apprentices, graduates or sponsored students. Yet in practice, the business already goes far beyond this as 15% of the total workforce are trainees.

The apprenticeship scheme at Redrow provides young people, as well as those looking to make a career change, the opportunity to kick-start a successful career in a skilled trade, administration, or a technical or commercial role, through on the job training and classroom learning. Through the apprenticeship scheme, Redrow also supports entrants in obtaining an NVQ.

For more information about Church View and Priory Park, please visit: www.redrow.co.uk/developments/church-view-tixall or www.redrow.co.uk/developments/priory-park-stafford

To find out more about a career with Redrow Homes, please visit: www.redrowcareers.co.uk/