An award winning apprentice bricklayer for Yuill Homes has taken part in a foreign exchange training programme in France.
20-year-old, John Rudge from the Stranton area of Hartlepool, was one of four student apprentices from Hartlepool College of Further Education who travelled to Albi, near Toulouse to spend a fortnight learning new building techniques at an organisation of craftsmen and artisans called Les Compagnon du Devoir.
As well as taking part in a series of construction workshops and French language classes, John and his fellow trainees spent four days working on-site for a company which builds properties using traditional French construction methods such as blockwork and thin jointing.
John, who currently works as an apprentice on Yuill Homes’ new Cecil Court development, said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the exchange trip. The building methods in France are completely different to what I’m used to so it was great to have the opportunity to work on-site and build with new materials like concrete.
“Working alongside other trainees and apprentices at the Compagnon training centre was also a good experience for learning new skills and techniques in traditional French construction work.
“When we weren’t working we also got the chance to visit some famous landmarks and ate some of the local food which everyone really enjoyed.”
Funded through the European Community Leonardo da Vinci Mobility programme, the exchange was organised after a group of apprentices from Les Compagnon du Devoir visited Hartlepool in February to take part in their own training programme and work placements.
Working in partnership with Hartlepool College, Yuill Homes gave three French apprentices the opportunity to develop their skills working on-site alongside its award-winning team of tradesman as part of the exchange.
Rob Burrell, head of production at Yuill Homes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome John back on-site after what has been a fantastic trip for him to learn new skills in a trade environment very different to our own.
“We’re really proud to have worked in partnership with Hartlepool College as part of this exchange which has been a great way for apprentices from both countries to increase their knowledge and gain vital on-site experience which will help them to gain employment in the future.”
Brian Hanson, work placement officer at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “Hartlepool College is extremely proud of all our trainees who took part in the exchange. They all showed great enthusiasm and a willingness to learn a range of new trade skills that are primarily used in French construction.
“Each of the trainees did fantastically well both on their work placement and at Les Compagnon du Devoir where impressed the teachers with“The international exchange opportunities we offer our students have been a great way for them to experience what it’s like to work in a different cultural setting with a leading employer. We would like to thank Yuill Homes for their support as part of the exchange.”
