Auger celebrates success of latest graduate programme

A specialist for the insurance industry based in Wallasey, Merseyside, has seen a further 13 staff graduate through its industry-leading academy.

Auger launched its own academy for all staff to support and develop both the company’s external engineering team based across the UK, and internal staff at head office.

The growing business – serving the UK insurance industry in drainage and water mains services – has made a number of appointments in the past 12 months as part of an expansion programme and is still recruiting to meet continuing demand from clients.

Training under the academy includes partnering engineers with senior staff and offering industry-specific courses.

This is supported by bespoke software tools and apps which allow staff to file information and reports quickly and easily from wherever they are in the UK.

Those ‘graduating’ include Rachel Ellis and Bethan Gee, senior account managers who completed a CMI Level 3 Course in First Line Management.

Internal operations manager Louise Chadwick and business improvement manager Jessica Brewster have completed both their First Line Management course and a CMI Level 5 course in Management and Leadership.

External operations manager Michael Hearty has finished his Management and Leadership course, while Nicola Lyon, head of recruitment and people development, has completed a CIPD Human Resource Management Level 5.

Also qualifying to full drain-repair engineers are Glen Bott, Jason Loveland, Darren Cornick and Brian Kitt, while Thomas Morgan, Daniel Page and Graeme Ferguson are now water mains engineers.

Nicola Lyon said: “As Auger grows it is vital to focus on staff development.

“When assistant engineers join Auger they will quickly move through the ranks of the academy as they learn the ropes from more experienced members of staff, and go on to become trusted members of the team.

“We are constantly encouraging staff to not only grow and develop their skills through our internal training, but to take part in industry courses and even schemes that they can suggest themselves.”

She added: “The Auger Academy is leading the way in the industry, making sure our staff offer best practice at all levels and it’s a great way to track and encourage training and development of our people.”