[P]erseverance has finally paid off for Josh Kirkwood, a 16-year-old hailing from Carlisle who has secured an apprenticeship with Penrith-based homebuilder Genesis Homes after months of daily phone calls and emails.
Josh was so determined to become an apprentice with Genesis Homes that he emailed, called and texted office manager Amanda Drelincourt nearly every day between March and July 2018. He persisted despite being told there was little chance of an opening, especially given at the time he was still only 15-years-old.
Amanda said: “He was driving me mad! He’s the most enthusiastic boy – for his age it’s amazing. It was worth taking all those calls just to hear his reaction when he finally got the job. I’m really pleased for him.”
Beginning in September, Josh will undertake his apprentice work initially on Genesis Homes’ development in Wigton, which, due to high demand, is now in its second phase. He will attend Carlisle College one day per week as part of his two-year Level 2 Construction Operations and Groundworks apprenticeship course.
Josh attended Newman School in Carlisle and will soon receive his GCSE results. Living with his dad and three brothers, Josh has been planning this career move since year nine, inspired by his uncle who works in construction.
Josh said: “I really like the idea of a hands-on job where I get the chance to do something different every day. I don’t want a boring job!”
Nicky Gordon, managing director of Genesis Homes, said: “It’s great to see such perseverance, especially in someone so young. I’m pleased to welcome Josh as our new construction apprentice and look forward to seeing his skills develop as he contributes to building our high-quality new homes in Cumbria.”
