Ethan Olubodun – Level 4 Quantity Surveying apprenticeship
Regular games of Minecraft as a youngster sparked an interest in architecture and construction for Ethan Olubodun, aged 20, from Chester, which has now turned into a varied and rewarding career path through an apprenticeship with the UK’s leading manager and developer of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone.
Ethan is currently based at the construction site of McCarthy Stone’s exciting new state-of-the-art Retirement Living complex in Bramhall which will compromise of 40 one- and two-bedroom apartments, complete with landscaped gardens, guest suite and with easy access to Bramhall village centre and all its amenities.
Ethan first played Minecraft aged 7. He comments:
“Minecraft is set in a virtual world, and involves resource gathering, crafting items and building across different environments and terrains. I loved playing it when I was younger so it’s perhaps no surprise that I chose construction as a career.”
As a school leaver, Ethan was unsure about the different roles available to him in the field of construction and had originally looked into Town Planning. A planned work experience placement during sixth form with a local firm of architects was thwarted by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but Ethan never lost his passion for the sector.
When the time came to choose a learning path after A-levels, he faced a choice between going to university and a more hands-on work environment offered by an apprenticeship.
“Ultimately, I chose an apprenticeship over university as I believed it would set me up better in terms of my career. Studying while working has allowed me to create connections throughout the industry while having the satisfaction of earning a wage for my work at the same time.
“I am more of a physical learner, so completing tasks in a specific job role gives me a better understanding, rather than listening to a university lecturer explaining. The apprenticeship has helped me use what I have learnt and made it applicable to the daily tasks I complete within the team. I can understand how we do things and why we do them which I think is really important.”.
Now 20 and in the second year of his Level 4 Quantity Surveying apprenticeship, Ethan has very specific reasons why he chose to pursue this route with McCarthy Stone.
“I really like and respect what the company provides to the retirement community. My Grandma lived in a similar community to that offered by McCarthy Stone and I saw first-hand how beneficial it was to her, so being able to do an apprenticeship that helps people like my Grandma move to somewhere better suited to their needs, and where they can benefit from the community and peace of mind it brings, was really special to me.”
Ethan accepts he has had to forego some aspects of the university lifestyle enjoyed by many of his peers, but has no regrets: “I work all week in a professional environment, then at weekends, I’m able to travel to the different cities where my friends are at university and spend time with them there. No two weekends are ever the same.”
Travel is a constant theme for Ethan. Often, he can be based in Altrincham, but also travels to York as part of the job, and to McCarthy Stone’s Head Office in Bournemouth. He has had the opportunity to visit many different sites across the North of England during his rotation with the Land team, the Development and the Commercial teams, where McCarthy Stone is building specialist housing designed with community and ease of maintenance in mind, in areas including Bramhall, Macclesfield and Standish.
Ethan’s advice for those seeking an apprenticeship path is simple: “It is very competitive to get into, so if you manage to be accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme, take it with open arms and an open mind.”
Once complete, Queens View, the brand-new McCarthy Stone development in Bramhall that Ethan is working on, will provide everything the over 60s could want for an enjoyable and independent retirement. Homeowners will feel safe and secure with a House Manager on hand to take care of the day-to-day running of the development, while a 24-hour emergency call system will provide added peace-of-mind. There will also be a large communal lounge perfect for getting to know your new neighbours.
More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year we have taken part in the survey.
McCarthy Stone boasts over forty years’ experience in creating award-winning premium properties that are thoughtfully designed to assist retirees as they grow older. A McCarthy Stone apartment offers more than a stylish home to feel proud of. It gives retirees access to a vibrant, community of neighbours and friends. Homeowners can get as much support as they want, from a little to a lot. Plus, all its properties are carefully located within easy access to amenities, like shops, restaurants and sport facilities.
For more information about retirement living in the North West, please visit McCarthy Stone.
