Delight as first ever females qualify to be apprentices at Black Country construction firm

The Doocey Group’s latest cohort of apprentices have just started at Sandwell College 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.

The final 12 chosen for the apprenticeship scheme included two females, for the first time ever, to the delight of Doocey Group's David Hannibal.

He told the Express & Star: “The pre-apprenticeship was attended by young people ranging from 16 to 24 years of age and we have appointed 12, including for the first time two female apprentices for Doocey Group.

“But they definitely not the last – but make no mistake these ladies, Jasmine and Shelby, will be trailblazers for us.”

He added: “We would love to have taken everyone on, but only had a limited amount of places.

“During the scheme they sat for 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 our programme.”

He added: “They also walked away with a reference from Doocey Group stating their attendance, qualifications gained and noting not getting an apprenticeship had no bearing on their ability."

Shelby Goddard, aged 18, from Dudley, 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 Johnson, 18, from Bradley, added: "I loved the pre-apprentice scheme so was delighted to have made the final 12."

The apprentices are being trained at the state-of-the art Phoenix Centre at Sandwell College in West Bromwich.

Doocey Group Head of HR Kirstie Stuart said: “The pre-apprenticeship for the 119 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.