Pictured: Laura Roberts and Georgia Clayton
Ambitious 18-year-old Georgia Clayton, from Throckley, has taken the next step in her construction career, with a two-year joinery apprenticeship at leading North East contractor, True North Construction.
Based in Newcastle, True North Construction is a building contractor delivering bespoke residential developments, high-end refurbishments and sustainable new-build schemes, including certified Passivhaus homes. The company also works across a range of commercial sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, education and workplace fit-outs and is known for its focus on quality, craftsmanship and sustainability. It has just marked a standout year of rapid expansion in the North East, in which turnover rose by 60% and its workforce more than doubled.
Georgia is working towards a Level 2 qualification in carpentry and joinery, combining four days a week at True North Construction working on-site, with one day of theory-based learning at Newcastle College.
Georgia first developed an interest in construction through her grandfather, a general builder, who she often helped with home improvement projects. After leaving Walbottle Academy in June 2023, she enrolled on a multi-trade course with Optimum Skills, one of the region’s leading training and apprenticeship providers, where she learned the fundamentals of joinery, bricklaying and roofing before choosing to specialise in property maintenance.
Following the course, Georgia spent eight months working in domestic housing, gaining practical experience in fire door installation, plumbing, decorating and joinery. The role confirmed her passion for carpentry and inspired her to pursue a more technical path in joinery.
After months of searching for the right opportunity, Georgia spotted a True North Construction van locally, sent in her CV and joined the company soon after.
Georgia is being mentored by project manager, Laura Roberts and supported on the job by site managers, Jamie Mordue and Chris Gowland, as she builds her skills and experience across the company’s residential and commercial projects.
Georgia, said: “I’ve been working on dormers, roofing, ridges and trusses and I’ve learnt so much already. This is me now for life – there’s no other job for me. True North has been excellent, everyone is really helpful and I get along with the whole team. Laura is a brilliant mentor and I feel confident under her guidance and the site managers. It’s great to be part of a company that supports its apprentices and encourages us to blend old-school skills with modern techniques.”
Laura Roberts, said: “Georgia has settled in brilliantly and has shown real enthusiasm and commitment from day one. She’s eager to learn and takes pride in everything she does, which are great qualities to have in this industry. It’s been fantastic to see her confidence grow already and we’re all looking forward to supporting her as she continues to develop her skills. Apprenticeships are so important for bringing fresh talent into construction and helping young people build long-term, rewarding careers.”
Founded in 2019, True North Construction continues to invest in its people and apprenticeship programme as part of its long-term commitment to developing local talent and supporting skills growth across the North East.
