In 2010 A-Plant recruited 26 Apprentices, split into 3 categories - Plant Maintenance Apprentices, Customer Service Apprentices and Driver Apprentices. The new intake takes the total number of A-Plant Apprentices to 65.
Bob Harper, Head of Customer Training Solutions said: “The Apprenticeship Programme has been extremely valuable in gearing our business up for the future. As well as giving us a pool of skilled employees who have a good understanding of A-Plant’s values and systems, the whole experience has provided worthwhile employment and progression opportunities for people across the UK.”
A-Plant is proud to have one of the highest retention rates for its Apprentices in the industry. With an industry average retention rate of just 66%, A-Plant’s rate of 96% is testament to the company and the training provided.
A-Plant’s three-year Apprenticeship Schemes are in high demand and 2010’s intake was no exception. 2010 saw 22 Apprentices undertake the formal study element of their Apprenticeship at A-Plant’s Apprenticeship Training Partner, Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire. As one of the biggest providers of Construction Plant Technical Training, A-Plant has ensured that their Apprentices receive the best training and guidance available to them.
Over the course of three years, Plant Maintenance Apprentices attend Reaseheath for a total of 30 weeks on a residential basis in four week blocks and complete the NVQ Level 2 in Plant Maintenance and the subsequent NVQ Level 3 in Advanced Plant Maintenance. The remainder of their training time is spent in one of A-Plant’s national network of more than 100 Service Centres where, as key members of the local team, they learn how to make sure that equipment is serviced, maintained and repaired to the highest possible standards.
The four other new Apprentices who started work in 2010 were three Customer Service Apprentices and one Driver Apprentice. The Apprentice Drivers are based in an A-Plant Service Centre and follow a NVQ Level 2 in driving HGV vehicles, eventually leading to full HGV driver status. The Customer Service Apprentices are assessed in the workplace, effectively training to become Rental Managers whilst pursuing a NVQ Level 2 Customer Service qualification.
In the A-Plant Apprenticeship Schemes, Apprentices and their parents are welcomed to A-Plant at special receptions and induction days organised by the company. Each Apprentice has a Mentor appointed to offer a support network, influence and guidance throughout the scheme. The Apprentices’ Personal Development Plan ensures that they are kept on course and understand the fundamentals of what their training involves.
Grainne Patterson, A-Plant’s Talent and Organisational Culture Manager explains: “Recognising the importance of having the right skills in place to help support specific sectors assists with economic growth and will avoid a shortfall of suitable staff in the future. We have a clear strategy as far as recruitment and development is concerned. We focus on strategic planning and making long-term decisions about our future workforce.”
A-Plant’s view is that it has never been more important to invest in the future of young people despite the difficult times in the construction industry at present. The programme equips young people with the skills, knowledge and practical experience they will need to succeed and build a career in the construction industry. When individuals join the scheme, they receive a heavy duty professional toolbox, followed by vouchers for 10 driving lessons once they complete Year One. Once the NVQ Level 2 has been achieved, they receive £250 of vouchers and a further £500 of vouchers following successful completion of the NVQ Level 3. 2010 saw 23 Apprentices complete their apprenticeship and move into a Fitter role.
In March 2011, recruitment starts all over again for the Autumn 2011 intake of Apprentices and A-Plant is once again firmly proving its commitment to people investment by looking for approximately 40 additional Apprentices for the scheme.
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