Brick by brick, Barratt Homes apprentice Jess is building an award-winning career in construction

At 22 years old, Jess Crook is already making waves in the construction industry.

Nowadays she’s hard at work as an apprentice bricklayer at Barratt Homes’ Harbour Place development in Bedhampton.

And although she’s seen great success over the last two years with the company, Jess has overcome great hardship to get where she is now, after being born three months premature.

She said: “I had lots of visits to hospital when I was younger, which meant I fell behind and often felt like the odd one out at school.

“I also struggled in an academic setting, but I was determined to pass my exams and go on to college.”

Despite trouble concentrating in class which led to poor attendance, Jess worked hard to pass her GCSEs and went on to study bricklaying at college. It was there that she found out about Barratt’s apprenticeship scheme.

Jess and a fellow apprentice at the new Harbour Place development

Jess has gone from strength to strength since joining the housebuilder, earning not just one but five awards – two for Apprentice of the Quarter, and one for Divisional Apprentice of the Year, Regional Winner of the Year, and the illustrious National Apprentice of the Year.

She’s already passed her Level 2 Certificate and has work lined up with two of Barratt’s subcontractors once her training is complete.

Anthony Dimmick, Community Liaison Officer at Barratt Homes, said: “Jess has shown remarkable resilience, dedication, and a true passion for bricklaying.

“Her hard work, determination, and positive attitude have meant that she’s consistently exceeding expectations and demonstrating exceptional skills and craftsmanship.

“Jess is a true inspiration and a shining example of what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.”

And Jess herself has thrived in the role: “Barratt’s apprenticeship scheme has been perfect for me. I’m learning new skills every day and I’m enjoying every second.”

A big part of that enjoyment is thanks to the company’s employee volunteering programme, through which Jess connected with the Tall Ships Youth Trust.

The charity brings aboard young people aged between 12 and 25, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

It’s given Jess the opportunity to join a volunteer voyage crew, living and working on the Trust’s iconic 72ft Challenger yacht, where she has been able to hone her communications and leadership skills.

Jess added: “Tall Ships Youth Trust is providing a wonderful service to young people in the local area, and it’s been life changing for me and my career.

“Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I’d like to thank both Barratt Homes and the Trust for their support.”