Two female apprentices from Sandwell College are celebrating after being taken on by on-road construction company The Doocey Group.
Shelby Goddard and Jasmine Johnson were among the final 12 selected and are now making history as the firm’s first female highways apprentices.
The two trailblazers join the latest cohort of apprentices who have just started their training for the Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative apprenticeship, after an open day sparked massive interest with local young people wanting to enter the construction industry.
Nearly 120 hopefuls took part in the Tipton group’s pre-apprenticeship scheme throughout the summer, which included a three-week practical trial to rate their suitability.
This was then whittled down to the final 12 chosen for the apprenticeship scheme.
Shelby said: “I am so proud to be one of Doocey’s first two female apprentices. Knowing we are both here on merit feels a great achievement.”
Jasmine added: “I loved the pre-apprentice scheme so was delighted to have made the final 12.”
David Hannibal, of The Doocey Group, said: “Jasmine and Shelby will be trailblazers for us. We would love to have taken everyone on, but only had a limited amount of places.”
During the scheme the apprentices achieved their CSCS qualification card, National Water hygiene, first aid and health and safety qualifications so they had credentials to help them to secure other construction jobs if unsuccessful on this programme.
All other trainees have gone on to construction jobs for HS2 and the QE Hospital, and full time courses including T Level Engineering, Carpentry and Joinery and Plastering courses at Sandwell College.
Doocey Group Head of HR Kirstie Stuart said: “The pre-apprenticeship would not have been possible without funding from West Midlands Combined Authority and the assistance of Sandwell Council and Sandwell College.
“It has been a real local partnership to provide opportunities for local young people, and seeing our first ever females qualify to be apprentices is fantastic.”
The Doocey Group was founded in the early 1980s and has grown to become one of the biggest on-road construction companies in the Midlands. Clinching contracts with utility giants over the last ten years has enabled rapid expansion and continual recruitment of local workers.
We are proud to be finalists for the following categories in the Building the Future Awards 2023:
• Young Apprentice of the Year
• Best Employer of the Year
• Excellence in Education and Training
These awards celebrate and recognise the contribution of young people, employers and educators in the Construction industry.
Doocey Group have also been shortlisted for the Express and Star Apprenticeship Awards 2023 – Medium Employer of the Year for the work they have done supporting the pre-apprenticeship programme and apprenticeship programmes.
