In celebration of National Apprenticeship Day, Lovell is highlighting the journey of Ashton Askin, a 19-year-old joinery apprentice at The Sycamores development in Kirk Ella site, who is building a strong trade foundation with his sights set on a future in site management, following in his father’s footsteps.
Ashton began his career path in bricklaying but quickly realised his passion lay in joinery. His apprenticeship through Doncaster College combines monthly block weeks at college with hands-on learning onsite with supplier Nikle Construction Ltd , where he works closely alongside a small team of four people, including dedicated one-to-one guidance from an experienced mentor.
Over the course of his two-year programme, due to finish in May, Ashton is mastering skills such as stud work, trusses, joists, skirting, architraves, and doors.
Inspired by his father, who works as a site manager for Lovell, Ashton was drawn to housing and site management as a career. Ashton explains: “I wanted to follow my dad’s career path, but knew I needed a trade behind me first. Joinery is giving me that solid foundation. I’ve learned so much on-site and through college, and it’s showing me what it takes to succeed in the housing industry. I’d tell anyone thinking about this path to just try your best, you can earn while you learn, and you get a qualification at the same time.”
Sara Johnston, Training Advisor at Lovell, said: “We’re really fortunate at Lovell to have a great set of apprentices on board, and Ashton is just one key example of this. It’s hard to try to position the construction industry as an attractive career source, but there are still strong young candidates coming in, and it’s amazing to see. I can’t wait to see where Ashton’s career takes him.”
Ashton describes his apprenticeship experience as “good, 10/10,” and is motivated to continue progressing in his career, with the long-term goal of becoming a site manager himself, just like his father.
National Apprenticeship Day celebrates how apprenticeships provide young people with real-world experience, professional development, and the opportunity to build a rewarding career in housing. Ashton’s journey at Kirk Ella demonstrates how practical skills, mentorship, and determination can lay the groundwork for a future leadership role in the industry.
For more information about careers and apprenticeships at Lovell, visit here.