The diversity of construction - Wienerberger promotes career options within theindustry for National Apprenticeship Week

29 March 2016: Wienerberger, the UK’s leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping innovations,is encouraging studentsconsidering a career within construction to explore the diversity of roles available within the industry, as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 14 to 18 March 2016.

While the construction industry asa whole is currently in the midst of a much publicised skills shortage, the range of careers available within the sector is far more diverse than many are aware of. Although many apprentices within the construction sector undertake training in bricklaying - a crucial role within the industry - there are numerous other options available when it comes to taking the first step into a construction career.

Having worked at Wienerberger since May 2015, Harriette Ewens, 17, is currently undertaking an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer, working at the company’s Broomfleet site four days aweek, whilst spending one day studying through HETA - providers of health and safetytraining, and engineering apprenticeships.

Opting to commence her career immediately after leaving school, Harriette has put her enjoyment of maths, science and design to good use. On completion of Wienerberger’s apprenticeship programme Harriette will qualify as a mechanical engineer, a career which challenges her to utilise all three disciplines within her day to day job.

Speaking of her role,Harriette commented:

“It’s great to be a part of the team here at Wienerberger, where I’ve been given a brilliant platform to start my career in construction. Since leaving school and joining the company over a year ago, I’ve learnt a great deal, both through being on site learning on the job, and through undergoing additional training one day a week through HETA. Each day is different, and I really enjoy being part of the team – it’s a huge aid to my development that I have so many experienced engineers around me, from which I can learn and adapt techniques. I’d definitely encourage anyone wanting to get involved within construction to consider the wide range of opportunities available.”

Brenda Hogan, Head of Learning & Resourcingdiscussed the importance of apprenticeships to Wienerberger. “Weare passionate about the recruitment and development of talented individuals to help increase skills, drive business growth and secure on-going competitiveness. We believe it is vital to improve co-operation between schools and the construction industry, promoting apprenticeship opportunities. Our apprenticeship programmesprovideon-the-job trainingwhile working towards a specialist qualification. Participants essentially are given the opportunity to earn while they learn”.

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ENDS

For more information on this story, please contact Laura Coyne or Adam Worrall at Manifest Communications on 0113 2429 174 or email:

Notes to editors:

Founded in Vienna in 1819, Wienerberger is a leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping innovations. In the UK Wienerberger has four showrooms, 22 factories and six distribution depots, with its head office in Cheadle, Cheshire. Worldwide, it has 214 plants in 30 countries and employs 13,800 people.

Offering in excess of 1000 products, Wienerberger’s range includes the Terca and Porotherm brands as part of its wall category, Sandtoft as part of its roof categoryand Penter as part of its paving category, providing a wide range of building material solutions.