Joshua adds to family tradition with merchant apprenticeship 

Three generations of his family have worked in the construction industry, and Joshua Purcell; Silverton Builders Merchants, Apprenticeship, has joined them. 

In Clacton-On-Sea, the 19-year-old is working for Silverton Builders Merchants at their head office in Kirby Le Soken as an apprentice.  

Working across a variety of roles, from sales and customer service to stocking up building materials and managing inventory, Joshua’s knowledge of Silverton’s business operations is growing, and so is his confidence. 

 Joshua says:

“Since school, I’ve been interested in going into construction, and with my family’s strong background in the industry, it has given me a better understanding of what I’d like to do and where I’d like to go with it.”

“I’ve been involved with sales and now have a wider understanding of construction materials and what they’re used for – including products I didn’t even know existed. I’ve also gained an understanding of the Kerridge system used to manage transactions, and I believe I’m getting better at conversing with customers and steadily building up my confidence in doing so.” 

After completing his apprenticeship, Joshua will continue to benefit from Silverton’s targeted training that is aimed at growing his expertise in customer service and recognising sales opportunities. 

While many of his peers may be heading to university, Joshua has a different perspective:

“I do not believe university genuinely sets you up for life, yet I’m willing to be proven wrong.    The fact that you get both experience and a qualification – with none of the huge student debt that university graduates often get – makes an apprenticeship worth doing.”