Local building contractor in Shrewsbury provides employment to a remarkable number of workers
The construction industry is evolving, and two key players in the sector - Shrewsbury Colleges Group and SJ Roberts Construction Ltd - are leading the charge. Their partnership, which has been strong and long-standing according to Stuart Raine, the curriculum director for construction and built environment studies at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, is focused on providing a diverse range of apprenticeships and trainee schemes.
This commitment to expanding construction skills development is evident in their finalist status in the Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards 2025. The partnership between the two entities offers a blend of academic study and practical on-site training, preparing students for a successful career in the industry.
While specific details on the exact pathways offered by SJ Roberts Construction and Shrewsbury Colleges Group are not fully detailed, their recognition as finalists suggests a strong focus on providing diverse apprenticeships and architectural trainee roles, likely including hands-on construction skills, technical training, and possibly architectural or project management training within the construction sector.
The partnership also involves SJ Roberts Construction providing practical experience to students, a belief shared by Stuart Raine, who emphasises the importance of such experience for the development of students' skills for the workplace. Currently, 36 students are involved in the apprenticeship training supported by SJ Roberts Construction.
In addition to the apprenticeship program, SJ Roberts Construction and Shrewsbury Colleges Group are offering opportunities to T-Level students and BTEC students. Four T-Level students and one BTEC student spend one day a week on site with the construction company, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Two students are completing level four and five qualifications in quantity surveying and site supervisor roles.
The students will also attend guest lectures delivered by SJ Roberts Construction and Lowfield Timber Frames, further enriching their learning experience. Mike Sambrook, the managing director of SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, has long supported apprentices and has witnessed the positive contribution they make to the company.
The construction sector is facing a shortage of skilled labour, and Mike Sambrook believes that this won't change if they're not prepared to invest in the training process itself. For more information on such initiatives and the specific roles offered by SJ Roberts Construction Ltd and Shrewsbury Colleges Group, following SJ Roberts Construction’s official channels such as their Instagram page may provide updates and details about their apprenticeship offerings and any new training schemes.
It is worth noting that only 6% of construction workers are aged 60 or over, according to experts, highlighting the need for continued investment in training and apprenticeship programs to ensure a skilled workforce for the future. The age distribution in the construction industry is such that around half of workers are aged 34 and under, according to a survey conducted by the Construction Industry Training Board.
In conclusion, the partnership between Shrewsbury Colleges Group and SJ Roberts Construction Ltd is making a significant contribution to the development of the construction industry, focusing on providing a diverse range of apprenticeships and trainee schemes to equip students with the skills they need for the workplace. For those interested in joining this dynamic partnership, following SJ Roberts Construction’s official channels or contacting them directly would be the most reliable approach.
- The partnership between Shrewsbury Colleges Group and SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, focused on providing diverse apprenticeships and trainee schemes, extends beyond construction skills development, offering opportunities for T-Level students and BTEC students, enhancing their learning through hands-on experience and guest lectures.
- The construction industry, grappling with a shortage of skilled labour, benefits from the investments made by SJ Roberts Construction Ltd and Shrewsbury Colleges Group in training programs and apprenticeships, ensuring a steady supply of qualified workers for the future.
- Beyond career development in the construction sector, the partnership also supports personal growth and education-and-self-development, with students gaining technical training, architectural or project management skills, and qualifications like quantity surveying and site supervisor roles, contributing to their overall personal growth and long-term career success.