BORDON teenager Jack Ford has turned his interest in construction into a career path by landing an apprenticeship with Barratt Homes.

Jack’s journey started when he was a pupil at Mill Chase School during a visit to the New Quarter development in Bordon.

The visit was part of the five-star housebuilder’s educational program and commitment to supporting the local communities across the UK.

Students enjoyed a series of construction workshops and had the chance to meet key people working on the development including young apprentices.

The stand out student on the day was Jack who was encouraged by his teacher, Noel Thompson, and his mother, Julie Ford, to apply for Barratt Homes’ apprentice scheme.

Barratt Homes community liaison manager, Anthony Dimmick, having met Jack tried to track the youngster down to encourage him to also apply.

“Jack showed a lot of potential during the maths and design tasks we set during the workshops, making him an ideal candidate,” said Anthony.

Jack is now the newest member of the construction team learning his trade on the job. He will also attend college one day a week to learn about the theoretical and business side of house building.

Recently, he was presented with a tool-kit from the house builder to welcome him onto the scheme and give him the essentials for starting out on site.

“The trip to New Quarter really opened my eyes to the careers available in construction,” he said.

“I’m so happy to have got onto Barratt Homes’ apprenticeship scheme. There’s lots of support, mentoring and opportunities to grow and develop my skills. Learning on site is my favourite part so far, getting to build homes that people in my town will live in is going to be really rewarding.

Noel Thompson, Jack’s teacher, said: “Jack has so much potential and has worked really hard. It was fantastic to see him take his next step starting an apprenticeship with Barratt Homes.

“We’d like to thank everyone at Barratt Homes who offers our students so much support and wonderful opportunities like this one.”

“Jack has the chance to shape his town’s future,” added Noel.