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Keith Day - former apprentice to site manager

I was one of Strategic Team Group's first apprentices when I joined the firm in 2000 during the first year, and I have recently been appointed site manager, clearly demonstrating the benefits of apprenticeship schemes.

I joined the firm as a site labourer after leaving school at 16 years. I was enthusiastic and keen to learn and was encouraged to enrol as an apprentice joiner at The Sheffield College. Studying NVQ 1,2 & 3 in site joinery over three years on a day release and block release basis, I then went on to work as a maintenance joiner, travelling throughout the region.

I have now completed my SMSTS course in site management and a host of other qualifications ranging from first aid, asbestos awareness, manual handling to IPath licence. I recently completed my first project as site manager, a £100,000 refurbishment for Learning Skills Councils in Bradford, where I was responsible for between four and ten operatives over one month, from plasterers and joiners to electricians and plumbers.

I'm now keen to hone my skills as a site manager, improving my ability to manage a building contract, controlling all aspects of site operation from health and safety to budgets, and further developing my people skills to become a fully-fledged construction management professional.

I've had an incredible amount of encouragement and support throughout my career. If you'd asked me 10 years ago where I thought I'd be on the career ladder, I don't think I'd realistically have said site manager. It was certainly on my radar, but I can't quite believe what a fantastic opportunity I've been given.

Commenting on his progress within the firm, Strategic Team Group's operations director, Gary Taylor said:

"Apprentices are the lifeblood of the construction industry, and we take great pride in nurturing them and developing them into site managers and construction managers of the future.

“Keith is a highly valued and professional member of our team. His experience is a great example of how a young dedicated, hardworking and reliable young apprentice can expect their career to unfold. We are committed to recognising and rewarding our staff with new challenges to ensure they not only reach their full potential, but remain fully motivated."