Daniel Moore is Director of D.J. Moore Lofts, a construction firm with 25 staff based in Milton Keynes and Bedford.

Over the last six years, the firm has built up a fantastic client base and completed a large portfolio of all different styles of work, helping it to become known as one of the best loft conversion companies in the area.

Apprentice Daniel Burton joined the business in September 2021 and now the company is considering how it can take on more apprentices with Milton Keynes College in 2022 to support its further growth.

Daniel explained, “I’m dyslexic and MK College helped me get my NVQ in Carpentry while I was doing my apprenticeship as a 16-year-old. Since then, I’ve always had a soft spot for them, so when we decided to bring an apprentice on board, MK College was the natural choice.

“The College were really helpful in sorting out all the paperwork and helping us to apply for funding. It’s been an easy and straightforward process. We were sent a list of candidates and the College staff guided us throughout the whole recruitment process.”

Daniel added, “I believe it’s important to engage with the next generation to try and help not only them, but us as a company. There’s a massive skills shortage in this country, and we need to do more to attract young people into the industry.

“Through apprenticeships, I’m hoping to bring the next generation through and train them up to not only help build our business, but also help build them into better people.”

When asked what advice he would give to other employers, Daniel said, “Don’t be scared. It’s worth a go and like anything the more time and energy you put in with younger staff, the more they will thrive – improving themselves and benefiting you and your company.”

For more information on hiring a construction apprentice, contact the Apprenticeships team at MK College on apprenticeships@mkcollege.ac.uk