Blenheim Palace and its development partner Pye Homes are ahead of schedule in their joint 10-year goal to train more than 100 new apprentices by the end of 2027.

Since starting the initiative in 2017, a total of 63 apprenticeships have been completed with 32 apprentices currently on site across a range of departments and disciplines, including built heritage, architecture, finance and construction.

The numbers represent 95 per cent of the target.

Blenheim’s apprentices play a key part in a wide range of large-scale projects it is involved in – including its landmark £12 million roof restoration, which began last month.

This year, Blenheim Estate Homes and Pye Homes welcomed new apprentices to the team to learn trades including bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing. The young people follow a 24-month Blenheim Estate apprenticeship programme, which, along with offering valuable skills, can lead to full-time employment with the Oxfordshire housebuilder.

Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, said: “I am immensely proud of the Blenheim and Pye apprenticeship programme, which is helping young, local people learn and develop skills and set them up for a blossoming career. It’s fantastic to see them working across the business on some of the most exciting projects we’ve ever taken part in.”

He added: “What’s more, our apprentices are also injecting a new lease of life into the veteran staff who are being given the opportunity to teach their trades to an eager new generation.”

Megan Carter, people director for Blenheim Palace, said: “I am so proud of how far we have come in achieving our goal, and the apprentices are truly a pleasure to work with. It’s a joy to help people grow and learn; they are all wonderful ambassadors for Blenheim and Pye.”

Emma Norridge, people manager at Blenheim Palace, said: “Our apprenticeships range from entry Level 2 all the way up to Level 7, which is equivalent to a Master’s degree.”

“Not only are we using our apprentice levy to develop young people, but are also using it to allow people to learn new skills in their current roles and for those to have a complete career change.”

Blenheim asked some current apprentices what their work involved.

  • Aimee Akinola (pictured left) – (Level 4 Project Manager), said: “I have been at Blenheim for two years and in that time, I have completed my Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship in the Built Heritage Team and I hope to go on to do my Level 7 Construction Management Apprenticeship. My role involves supporting the Built Heritage team in delivering all the restoration and conservation projects at Blenheim, including the orangery, the walled garden and most exciting of all – our biggest project to date – the restoration of the palace roof.”
  • Rob Fairfield – (Level 5 Operational/Departmental Manager), said: “My role is architectural technical co-ordinator for Pye Homes and Blenheim. I manage the coordination of information that we use to build our sites. I also do some of the architectural drawing work, and work with the site teams to prevent and overcome issues.”
  • Megan Johnston (pictured right) – (Level 7 ACCA Finance), said: “I have been an apprentice in the finance team at Blenheim for five and a half years. I am currently on my third apprenticeship which is a Level 7, studying for my ACCA qualification to become a qualified accountant.”
  • Tiff Hickman – (Level 5 CIPD Learning and Development), said: “I have now completed two apprenticeships here at Blenheim & Pye Homes and am about to start my third—a Level 5 degree apprenticeship in Learning and Development. Within my role in the people team, I support a variety of HR initiatives and key projects, including organising events like the apprentice away days and all-staff training sessions, EDI forum initiatives, policy reviews and employee engagement activities.”
  • Ruby Garrett – (Level 2 Retail Admin), said: “I’ve been with the team for three months; my role involves managing stock, whether it’s bringing in new items or replenishing existing ones in the gift shop. I’ve been assigned specific departments to oversee and work closely with the retail team to keep everything current and fresh. I’m excited for what the future holds.”

The 100 apprenticeships is one of 10 goals Blenheim is pursuing. Find out more about the goals at  www.blenheimpalace.com/about-us/our-goals/

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