National Apprenticeship Week: Yorkshire businesses back future talent
BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS Yorkshire, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, is on the hunt for the next stars of the industry, with the launch of its apprenticeship programme for 2016.
The move will see the housebuilder take on five new apprentices as part of it’s ‘Future Talent’ Programmes. It follows recent community work with the local Notre Dame College in Leeds, which saw senior Barratt team members deliver seminars on careers within construction.
Within the housebuilder’s commercial department, four members of staff have progressed up the ranks from entry level positions, while a further apprentice is set to be appointed later this year.
In addition, the construction department currently boasts 12 apprentices, with a further four bricklayers and joiners expected to be appointed as part of the 2016 intake, while in the technical department, numerous staff members have enjoyed comprehensive Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) training since starting at the company.
Ian Ruthven, managing director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire West, said: “We’re extremely proud of our apprenticeship scheme and the talented team members that have passed through it. The success of our apprentices over recent years can clearly be seen and we’re thrilled that we can offer future stars of the industry that much needed first step in their career.”
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GLASS reinforced plastic manufacturer MPM, which provides components and tooling to a range of industries, has hailed the positive impact apprentices have had on its business and the wider economy.
The Pudsey-based manufacturer says it has always classed its apprentices as an essential investment, and believes that they are paramount to the evolution of the business.
The latest apprentice has been recruited from The Works Charity, giving 17 year old Connor Dockerty an opportunity to forge a career with the company.
The Works Charity works with schools, youth groups and extended services to get children back into exercise and also help them get their foot on the job ladder as a way of building the skills of potential future employees.
Connor, who is studying for a qualification in PMO (Performing Manual Operations), started his role as a production operator/composite hand laminator in January this year.
Another success story is Kyle Venables who the company recruited through the Talent Match scheme – which helps those between 16-24 who have a history or are struggling to find work get into work.
In the past four years the manufacturing firm has boosted investment in its apprenticeship scheme and appointed a full time on-site adviser – Paul Williams, a former NVQ assessor – to ensure the youngsters get the support, training and development that they need to succeed.
Ben Wilson, director at MPM said: “We strongly believe in apprenticeships as a way of building the skills of potential future employees, and we are always looking for young recruits who have energy, enthusiasm, commitment, a great work ethic, and an ability to work in a team.
“So far three members of our current team have completed apprenticeships and are now working in senior positions in the company. Moving forward we will continue to work with The Works Charity and plan to take on another five apprentices this year.”
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