Much has been written about the shortage of skilled workers being a barrier to the growth of our sector. So the recruitment and development of apprentices is a vital way of bringing new people into the industry and addressing this gap, while providing long term, successful careers for young people. Tripod Crest made a commitment to the apprenticeship movement early on and the business is really seeing the benefits of investing in talented, committed, hard-working young people.
Jake Hankins and Tom Astle have been employed in the workshop for 15 and 12 months respectively. Combining on the job, practical experience with formal education. Hear their stories here:
Megan Young is our latest recruit. She has joined as commercial apprentice, and has a wide-ranging remit that includes duties such as logging incoming enquiries, research and data input. Apart from on-the-job training, Megan will also undertake off-site NVQ courses, with a great opportunity to develop within Tripod Crest both during and on completion of her three-year apprenticeship scheme. Other formal qualifications will include the Construction Skills Certification Scheme for the Construction Site Visitor Category.
The business is especially pleased to see another female join the company and Megan is already settling in and making great progress. She says: “I am really getting involved – I love it! I think it is great that Tripod Crest is investing in someone like me and I can’t wait to start my college studies which will take things to a new level. I am excited by the career path that I can follow – if I put the hours and effort in – and meanwhile I am earning while I learn!”
Managing director Darren Stokes commented: “It is great to see young people coming into the industry and specifically to Tripod Crest, and we are really seeing the benefits of their energy, aptitude and ability to learn. We are also totally behind the industry wide Trailblazer initiative and we are working with peers and colleagues to develop an Apprenticeship Standard for Planing and Surfacing Operatives. It is critical that all companies that aspire to grow and to be part of the future of the sector invest in apprentices in order that the commercial potential can be realised across construction and highways.”