Business is booming for Jake Virgo at HHPRS heritage and historical properties, thanks in part, because of his links with The Bedford College Group.
Jake from Flitton started his own property renovation business when he was only 19, now aged 30 he is has gained useful qualifications in electrical work at the college.
“I was always interested in electrics and wanted to gain qualifications in that field, so prior to the lockdown signed up for an evening course at Bedford College. Thanks to the help of the great tutors I was able to continue studying on-line during the Covid closures, and am now qualified to manage that side of work on my own sites,” said Jake,
“I would really like put a word in here for college staff member Mo Lal Kalyan, during Level 3 in the height of lockdown, Mo was incredible with myself and the class that year. He went out of his way on evenings weekends and, in some cases, even early mornings.
“I think most of my class from that year would agree that without that extra support out of hours and awkward times, I don’t think any of us would have passed last year. He went above and beyond for us and I can’t thank him enough.
“That’s the reason I went back to the Bedford college to help offer some paid work experience to return the favour to the college and to Mo.”
In the past year Jake’s business has quadrupled with heritage projects and building contracts in Ampthill and Toddington, as well as Bedford and Milton Keynes. The Heritage and Historical contracts are a very specific area of construction which require experience and expertise.
Jake is keen to encourage other young people into the construction industry. So he is taking learners to gain real experience in the field.
“There’s a huge demand for skilled staff in construction and high-quality training like that from Bedford College is essential,” added Jake.
Javid Ahmed Head of Electrical Installation at Bedford College said: “It’s great to see how Jake credits some of his success to the support of the college and how he is investing in the industry by taking students for real life work experience. He is an inspiration to our young learners.
“We need that sort of commitment from others in the construction industry, any employers interested in helping us with work experience would be most welcome.”
