14th May 2026 • The HERALD • Page 65 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v Helen Sparks Mortgages & Financial Services Offering professional advice since 1985 Mortgages Residential Life Time Equity Release Buy to Let – first time landlords Property Portfolios Help to Buy Insurance Buildings & Contents Insurance Life Assurance Critical Illness Income Protection YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Some forms of buy to let mortgage are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 023 8084 4108 enquiries@helensparks.com Helen Goodall T/A Helen Sparks Mortgages & Financial Services is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of First Complete Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ASK A PROFESSIONAL Housebuilder Tackles Skills Shortage In Construction Industry A Hampshire housebuilder is tackling the industry’s growing skills shortage by inspiring the next generation of bricklayers, carpenters and site managers. Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton Division has partnered with EBP South to host its very rst ‘Construct & Create’ event at Testlands Wellbeing Hub. A day of hands-on activity, pupils took part in five immersive workshops delivered by experts in carpentry, bricklaying, design, site management and more. e event is one of many Barratt David Wilson Homes’ initiatives to support young people into trades and o er pathways outside of mainstream education such as via apprenticeships. Open to everyone from school leavers to career changers, the housebuilder o ers apprenticeship routes leading to quali cations up to a Level 7. Budding bricklayer at Barratt David Wilson Homes Sam Sweatman said: “I think it’s important that every person learns a trade because it’s a life skill. I chose construction because an office job isn’t really for me. I am now getting so much more confident in working independently.” Marketing Manager at Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton Division Megan Hamlyn said: “We know there’s a big skills gap across the construction and homebuilding industries. The best way to address this is to show our young people just how many ways you can make a difference through homebuilding. ‘Construct and Create’ gave them the opportunity to hear from experts in their fields and understand what a future career could look like.” CEO of EBP South Samantha Ward said: “We wanted this event to highlight the wealth of career options available across the homebuilding sector from interior design to carpentry. We often find that the pupils we reach simply aren’t aware of the options available to them. Events like these inspire new ideas, provide learning opportunities and connect the future generation of talent with employers.” ‘Construct & Create’ event at Testlands Wellbeing Hub
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