You partnered up with Y Prentis in November 2019. Why did you choose to get involved with Y Prentis?
In order to meet our community benefit obligations at Cwrt Canna we chose to work with Y Prentis as they had a large number of apprentices available and were able to quickly identify suitable candidates for the project and provide us with the necessary support throughout the placement process.
What advice would you give to other companies considering hosting an apprentice?
What do you find most appealing regarding the shared‐apprenticeship model?
As a young company we like the flexibility of the shared‐apprenticeship model and the support offered by Y Prentis throughout the placement process.
You are currently hosting a total of 4 apprentices through us. Why are apprenticeships important to you and/or to the construction industry?
We currently employ 4 apprentices through Y Prentis, all of whom have become valuable members of our construction team and make a positive contribution to work on site. Apprentices who gain valuable experience and become suitably qualified will ensure a quality workforce is maintained within the industry for the future.
What is the most satisfying part of hosting an apprentice?
All the apprentices on site are keen and willing to work. It’s a pleasure to see each one acquiring new skills and developing into a tradesperson.
What is the most challenging part of hosting an apprentice?
Listening to loud music!
What advice would you give a young person that is interested in taking up an apprenticeship? What attributes do you look for in your apprentices?
Have a go. With numerous university graduates unable to find work and with large debts accrued during their studies, an apprenticeship could offer a realistic alternative whereby you earn some money whilst training.
If you’re a ‘hands on’ person and are willing to listen and work hard then an apprenticeship
could provide a clear path to a successful career in a trade that interests you.
Background Info:
Incorporated in January 2019 Canna Developments was established to deliver innovative, sustainable homes throughout South Wales. Our team of dedicated designers are supported by experienced site managers and tradespersons, all of whom are committed to providing turn‐key developments incorporating homes of exceptional architectural design and quality.
Cwrt Canna:
In partnership with Newydd Housing Association, Canna Developments is currently constructing a mixed use scheme of 13 no. affordable homes and 3 no. offices on a rural exception site in Llangan, Vale of Glamorgan. The scheme, which was positively received by The Design Commission for Wales, is funded via The Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant and Innovative Housing Programme (IHP).
As part of the IHP Design Review, Canna Developments presented proposals to The Design Commission for Wales who, in summarising the schemes credentials, stated that: ‘The ambition to provide an affordable, good quality place to live in this rural settlement, so that local people are not priced out is positive…The vision of providing a healthy environment for living, work, education, food and relaxing is in line with best practice and the ethos of the Well‐being of Future Generations Act.’ It is encouraging to see a landscape‐led housing development where all parts of the landscape and public realm are considered, defined and have a positive purpose. The team deserve praise for this. The scheme is due for completion in Spring 2021.
