Local apprentice visits the Houses of Parliament after inspiring journey into housebuilding

Ellie Mason, 22, from the technical team at South West housebuilder Cavanna Homes, travelled to Westminster to attend the Home Builders Federation’s Parliamentary Skills Reception on Wednesday 11 March. The event brought together around 150 apprentices, trainees and graduates from housebuilders across the country, alongside MPs and industry leaders, to highlight the importance of developing new skills within the sector and encouraging more people into the industry.

For Ellie, the experience was also an opportunity to support efforts to attract more women into housebuilding, which is a sector where women remain underrepresented.

She said: “One of the main themes of the event was encouraging more women into the industry, which is something I really support. There are so many opportunities and every day is different, which is one of the things I love most about the job.”

Ellie joined Cavanna Homes in October 2023 and has already made a strong impression, recently completing her Level 3 apprenticeship and now progressing to a Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Site Supervision.

Now working in Cavanna Homes’ technical department, Ellie’s studies allow her to understand both sides of the build process.

She said: “It’s really interesting because I get to see different parts of the business. Working in technical means I can help bridge the gap between the office and what’s happening on site.”

Ellie travelled to attend the reception at the Houses of Parliament, where she met apprentices from housebuilders across the UK and heard from industry leaders about the future of the sector. She was supported on the day by Cavanna Homes’ Head of Technical, Paul McGuire, who joined her at the event.

She said: “It was a great experience. There were apprentices from lots of different housebuilders and it was really interesting hearing about the different paths people had taken into the industry.

“We also got to look around parts of the Houses of Parliament that you wouldn’t normally see, which was fascinating.”

During the event Ellie also met her local MP, Steve Darling.

Ellie’s journey into housebuilding came about unexpectedly. While working at a pub, she broke her foot and was forced to take time away from work. The experience prompted her to rethink her future and consider a career with greater long-term opportunities, ultimately leading her to apply for an apprenticeship in the home building industry.

Cavanna Homes is committed to supporting apprenticeships and early career development, helping train the next generation of professionals who will play a key role in delivering high-quality homes and communities across the South West.

For more information visit cavannahomes.co.uk