Blenheim Palace and Pye Homes have announced that they have already hit 95% of the 10-year goal of training over 100 new apprentices by the end of 2027.
Across its various businesses – palace, estate and property – Blenheim has already completed 63 apprenticeships since 2017, and currently has 32 apprentices on site, working in a range of departments and disciplines, including built heritage, architecture, finance and construction.
Blenheim’s apprentices play an integral part in a wide range of large scale projects, including its £12m roof restoration, which began last month.
This year, Blenheim Estate Homes and Pye Homes welcomed new apprentices to the team, learning a range of trades from bricklaying to carpentry to plumbing.
Current apprentices include:
Aimee Akinola: (Level 4 project manager)
Rob Fairfield (Level 5 operational/ departmental manager)
Megan Johnston (Level 7 ACCA finance)
Tiff Hickman (Level 5 CIPD learning and development)
Ruby Garrett (Level 2 retail admin)
The young people will follow a 24-month Blenheim Estate apprenticeship programme, which will not only equip them with valuable skills but hopefully lead to full-time employment with the Oxfordshire house builder.
Dominic Hare, CEO of Blenheim Palace (pictured), 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.”
Megan Carter, people director at 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.”
