The director of one of Suffolk’s largest construction firms said he would not be where he is today were it not for the apprenticeship he took on as a teenager.
Paul Rodwell, Director of SEH French, took his first steps into the industry in 1978, having left school at 16 with the aim of starting a successful career in construction.
A great opportunity presented itself in the form of a three-year carpentry apprenticeship with West Suffolk College and former local contractor, Haymills, before he was promoted to trainee foreman with the firm at the conclusion of his course.
That promotion saw him work on numerous high-profile projects, including the construction of the now Adastral Park and the former John Player factory behind Portman Road’s south stand before reaching his mid 20s.
Fast forward to 2014, he was named the new Managing Director of SEH French, joining the long-serving Simon Girling at the helm of the Ipswich-based firm.
Now, he wants to encourage more youngsters to follow in his footsteps – although warned more needs to be done nationally to promote the great opportunities available in construction.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without the stepping stone of my apprenticeship,” he said.
“When I was younger apprenticeships were widely encouraged – they were and still are a great way to get into the trade.
“Things are a lot different now – but there’s also a lot more opportunities nowadays in terms of the different roles available at contractors.
“By the early 2000s things had changed and more people were going to university for a wide range of different courses. The construction industry and apprenticeships weren’t being promoted as much.
“We’re in a place now where we are seeing a bit of a comeback, but I don’t think the education sector is doing a great job at explaining the plethora of career opportunities available in construction.
“It isn’t just a way to learn the hands-on trades; other career paths including buyers, quantity surveyors, estimators, bid writers and design coordinators offer great career progression.
“The challenge we now face is making young people aware of all the various opportunities available within the construction industry.”
For employers like SEH French, Paul said the importance is in giving apprentices the tools to empower themselves.
He said: “We are proud to welcome apprentices to SEH French year after year, with many of our senior team having risen through the ranks from apprenticeships.
“We like to promote from within, whenever possible and it’s great to see our trainees progress.
“We see them grow up, not just as professionals but as people. From their first company car through to their first house, partners, marriage and children. A few years down the line you see them giving opportunities to their first apprentices.
“It’s all about empowering people and giving them the grounding they need to push forward in the industry.”
