Steve Gelder started his career as a bricklaying apprentice when he was just 16 years old, having left school with no qualifications. In 1988 he set up his own business and now, 29 years later, Gelder Group is a diverse £40 million business, employing 274 people. 

Here are some more amazing facts about Gelder Group:

• They currently employ 274 people across 4 offices, 26 of them apprentices.
  
• Gelder Group have bridged the skills gap with their thriving apprenticeship programme
• Their people say that it is a "great place to work"
• They manage thousands of building contracts from small works to major contracts
• They have constructed award winning builds  
• They have a professional ‘Can do’ attitude that their partners love
• They have a reputation for quality workmanship
• Gelder Group have valued partners such as LIDL, Lincoln College, LV=, Lincolnshire County Council and many more.
• Their employer led training is nationally recognised
  
• Their City & Guilds accredited career college is shaping people’s lives and inspiring new talent
• The pride of their Head Office complex is our environmental reserve and is a haven for wildlife and native habitats
• July 2017 saw the Gelder Group named ‘Lincolnshire Fastest Expanding Company’
• Since July 2014 they have trained 37 apprentices and raised £42,706.82 for charitable causes

How long have you been with the company: March 2014

Where did you find the job advertisement to apply for the role?

The government apprenticeship website.

Why did you want to work for the company?

The company has a big community presence therefore I was aware of the work that Gelders carried out. The company was receiving national awards & recognition for the training and apprenticeships they were delivering. 

What interested you about the industry?

At the time of apply for the job I had deferred my university for a year whilst working in the local shop. I wasn’t 100% sure what I was going to do at the end of my degree and what career I could go into. My favourite programme at the time was homes under the hammer and watching the transformations that took place. I started looking how I could get involved with doing something similar. I then luckily stumbled across the vacancy at Gelders and applied.

Can you describe a typical day for you?

My day consists of spending half my time visiting customer’s properties all around the midlands and half my time in the office preparing estimates. We deal with all damaged caused as a result of an insurance claim. This can vary from full properties being destroyed by fire or floods to broken toilet seats and sinks. Every day is different.

What qualities do you bring to the role?

You have to be diverse and adaptable. We receive a brief instruction of what the damage to the property is however the extent of the damage can be much greater. We have to be prepared for anything and be ready for everything we could be faced with. 

What is difficult about your role?

We work for a variety of insurance companies and networks who work differently. It takes time learning all the different systems and process. The systems and processes are changing all the time. A big part of my role is validating claims meaning I have to turn down the ones that aren’t covered. Understandably people can become upset when the damage isn’t covered by the policy.

What is the best thing about working at the company?

Gelders is a close knit company, the majority of the people who work here know everyone which means it’s always a friendly and vibrant atmosphere. The company is detected to inspiring the next generation of construction workers therefore for people like myself the help and expertise on offer to help me develop are invaluable. Steve Gelder himself started as an apprentice which gives myself and the many other apprentices something to aspire to.

Why would you recommend working in the industry?

The construction industry is changing, fast. It is moving away from the archaic, unreliable, ‘blokey’ industry is once was. Our industry uses some of the newest technology, newest techniques and has a place for everyone not matter what their background is making it an idea time to start an apprenticeship.