Case Study - Clayland Homes

Watton-based building firm Clayland Homes has set an unusual record by employing three brothers and putting them through apprenticeship programmes with the College of West Anglia. Although this is not the first set of brothers to complete apprenticeships at CWA, it is the first time three brothers have done this through the same employer!

Jo Sandell, the third brother to be employed by Clayland Homes, has recently started as an apprentice carpenter at CWA. He is following in the footsteps of brothers Adam and Nick, both of whom have already completed their apprenticeships. Adam did an advanced apprenticeship in bricklaying in 2005 whilst Nick Sandell completed his advanced apprenticeship in carpentry in 2006.

Clayland Homes was founded in 1998 by Chris Tilley, who originally trained as a bricklayer through the college and he strongly believes that putting his employees through an apprenticeship programme has allowed the business to build expertise for the future and also motivates them through training that is directly related to their work role. Chris says: “Investing in people and supporting staff development is the best way to create a strong, happy and productive workforce. Apprenticeships are an ideal way to do this.”