After leaving school he worked for his family’s training business in an administrative role before deciding on a change of career. Alex worked for an Estate Agent selling properties which helped him identify construction as his ideal career and he successfully applied to join the Technical Trainee Programme at Lindum, starting in May 2016. 

The Technical Trainee Programme designed by Lindum offers recruits the opportunity to follow a two year individual plan where they experience the range of job roles involved in a construction project from start to finish - from pricing the project with our Estimating Team through to building the finished product with design, buying, on-site management, Health & Safety among the other disciplines experienced throughout the life of the project.

Each trainee has an assigned Mentor with monthly reviews helping to monitor individual progress. Academic training is included to attain formal qualifications such as degrees, HNDS and HNCs via local colleges and universities. Competition is high to join the programme with recruits ranging from 16 to 24 years of age and coming from a variety of backgrounds including university graduates, school leavers and current employees. 

“I first became interested in construction after being involved with a number of family building projects and was looking for a new career direction. The Technical Trainee Programme offered by Lindum was the perfect opportunity for me to learn about all the different aspects of the building profession and I was delighted to be one of the successful candidates to gain a place” explains Alex.

“Since starting in May I have been assigned to work on the ‘One The Brayford’ project and have been able to see the processes from pre-contract, design tracking, site surveys, site set up to construction where I am employed currently.”  

“Working with the site management team of Matt Marshallsay, Andy Foster and John Savage is a great opportunity for me to learn from these experienced site managers and I aspire to do a similar role as I enjoy being site based, working at the sharp end!”

Alex has a NVQ Level 3 Certificate in Management and is currently enrolled on the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM) Level 3 course alongside other trainees at Lindum.

Cavan joined Lindum in June 2016 as an apprentice Vehicle Technician with Lindum Plant at the Peterborough Workshop. He is training under the supervision of Workshop Manager Adam Townsend for four days a week and then spends one day a week at Boston College, working towards his Motor Vehicle Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair IMI Diploma Level 2 qualification.

Cavan said: “I’ve loved every day since I started work here at Lindum, no one day is ever the same and the wide variety of vehicles we deal with here makes my job really interesting. As we also offer a Plant and Tool Hire service I also get involved in this side of the business and the maintenance of some of the smaller items of equipment.

Having Adam as my mentor and supervisor is enabling me to learn new skills and develop my own understanding and knowledge as I benefit from his vast experience in the trade.
Everyone I have met so far has been friendly and supportive, especially the small team I work with on a daily basis at the Peterborough site and I hope to continue my career with Lindum for many years to come.”

Cavan joined Lindum after completing a year’s full time study straight from school with Boston College where he achieved his NVQ Level 1 qualification.

Adam Townsend, who manages Cavan on a daily basis added “Cavan is a conscientious young man who is eager to learn. He has demonstrated he has a strong worth ethic, I know he previously worked part time at a local wood yard washing down Lorries and perform a wide range of general duties fitted around his full time college studies, and this hard working attitude continues to pay dividends for him. It is an honor to be able to support the next generation joining my profession and his contribution is greatly valued. In short, he is a pleasure to work with and mentor, he is an all-round good lad!”

Jack, 19, from Lincoln, joined Lindum in September 2015 as an apprentice joiner with our residential housing division Lindum Homes. Jack is training under the supervision of experienced joiner Jon Cocking who certainly knows the business as he has been with Lindum since 1999.

Jack also attends Lincoln College on block release as part of studies towards his Extended Diploma in Site Joinery Level 2 and NVQ qualifications.

Jack said: “I’m really enjoying learning my trade and being part of the Lindum Homes Team. I am currently based at The Oaks development in South Hykeham where we are busy building a mix of three, four and five bedroom houses.”

“I enjoy working with Jon Cocking on a daily basis as he knows the trade inside out and is always willing to take time to share his skills and experience which he has built up through a lifetime of working in the industry.”

Jack, who was a student at The Priory Academy LSST, joined Lindum from school after completing his GCSEs, he explains why he feels an apprenticeship was the right decision for him “I wanted to learn a trade and consider myself very fortunate to have been one of the apprentices selected to join Lindum last year as there was a lot of competition for places. It was definitely the right move for me as I am enjoying working, earning and studying for my qualifications.”

Joe initially joined Lindum in August 2015 as a Technical Trainee after qualifying with a HND in Construction from Grimsby College however, after working on his first project at Morrisons Flowerworld, he switched to train as a Quantity Surveyor after enjoying this job right from the start and deciding this was the career for him! 

“Using what I have learned in the classroom and putting this into practice in a real construction environment has proved to be very rewarding and, on occasions, challenging. The approachable and friendly nature of the Lindum team means there is no shortage of support and advice available from my experienced colleagues and makes each day a learning experience."

Joe has completed his ILM (Institute of Leadership Management) Level 3 in Leadership and Management with Lindum and is a CITB accredited Construction Ambassador promoting the construction industry associated careers within local schools.

As part of a four week work experience placement with Lindum in the summer of 2014 Rosie got to know the company and some of the people first hand so when the trainee position was advertised Rosie had no hesitation in applying for the vacancy.

The Priory City of Lincoln Academy is a school which has a well-established working relationship with Lindum and both support the Career Academies UK, a national charity that links schools and colleges with employers to help prepare young people for the world, through which Rosie’s initial work experience was organised.

Sara Hobson, Group Training Manager for Lindum, was appointed as Rosie’s mentor through the programme, she explains “As a local company we work with many local education organisations to help support the training and development of young people and this particular initiative run by the Careers Academies UK has proved very successful for both the students and employers. Students get real life experience of working in a commercial environment and employers gain fresh ideas and inspiration from the students input and what could be even better than when they come work for us!”

Since starting work for Lindum, Rosie has quickly established herself as a valuable member of the team and is enjoying her new career. Working as part of the Training Team, Rosie is responsible for organising events and administering the company’s extensive training and development programme. Not only is she helping train others Rosie is herself now a qualified ‘Construction Ambassador’ after successfully completing the CITB course and is actively involved in promoting careers in construction to young people.

“I consider myself very fortunate to work for Lindum and have enjoyed every minute here so far” said Rosie. “The people I work with are both supportive and encouraging in my ongoing career development and the variety of duties I get to carry out as part of my job role makes my work interesting and very rewarding. One day I could be representing Lindum at a local careers fair and the next day arranging an in-house training event for over 30 people, there is never a dull moment!”

Rosie is currently enrolled on the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) level 3 course and is completing this alongside other trainees at Lindum.