Salisbury apprentice gifted new tools to help kickstart career

A young apprentice from Salisbury has been gifted £250 worth of new tools as well as a Makita drill by Jewson Partnership Solutions in partnership with Hampshire-based housing association, Aster Group.

Aster plumbing apprentice Rory Packwood, 19, is one of four trainees who recently joined Aster and received the new tools.  

On receiving the donation, Rory said: “We really appreciate these tools. I believe an apprenticeship is really building the foundation for your future. It’s a good way to learn when combined with hands-on work and these tools are the perfect kickstart to my career.”

Helen Walker, head of strategic partnerships at Jewson Partnership Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Aster. There’s a huge skills shortage in the construction industry so we wanted to make these new recruits feel valued and give them all a toolbox so that they’ve got all their own set to carry with them throughout their careers.”

Jess Scull, apprentice partner at Aster, said: “Here at Aster we really value our relationships with partners, and this is a great example of our apprentices benefitting from these connections too. We can’t thank Jewson’s enough for the support and commitment to our next generation of skilled trades.”

Aster is committed to helping those looking to start their career or upskill in other areas through its apprenticeship programme.

From 2015 to 2022, Aster has supported 77 apprentices in completing their training and becoming fully qualified in a variety of roles from plumbing and carpentry, to housing and finance. Many of these apprentices have gone on to progress their careers within the company.

You can find out more about Aster’s apprenticeship programme at https://www.aster.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships.