You're never too old to be an apprentice – that’s the message from St Phillips-based flooring contractor Rudge Brothers & James, which has taken on two full-time apprentices who impressed the company while working as sub-contract labourers.
The appointment of Lynsey Mathews, 27, and Tim Facey, 30, who worked on RBJ’s flooring contracts for Midas Construction, follows on from major efforts to get more businesses to create apprenticeships. For the first time, more young people will be in apprenticeships this year than studying at university.
Director Jim Heal said: “Lynsey and Tim impressed us straightaway with their ability to understand instruction first time and their general ‘can do’ attitude. We offered them full-time positions and they are now learning a construction trade within the company at a time when other trades are laying staff off.
“Apprentices like Lynsey and Tim are hard to find and are great for us as they bring some new energy to the company and from their point of view they will get valuable experience and training within a well-known specialist contractor.”
Lynsey was working as a labourer for Midas Interiors on a fit-out project in Wales when she was offered the RBJ apprenticeship.
She said: “I’m really enjoying my new role; I’m a very hands-on person so it’s perfect for me. I’m learning new skills in floor laying and wall cladding and it’s great to have a full-time job rather than working for an agency.”
Tim was working for Midas Construction on a refurbishment project at defence firm Thales’ office in Templecombe when he was offered the RBJ apprenticeship. He said: “I’m learning loads and it’s good to be involved with such professionals.”
Rudge Brothers and James have been supplying and installing premier floor covering and hygienic wall cladding for more than 45 years.
