Apprentices building for the future in new roles
Thursday 11 February 2010
Three apprentices have new careers in the construction industry after joining the team at Huyton Heating and Plumbing Limited (HPH).
The apprentices were hired on the back of an important new contract win for the company.
Craig Priest, 16, from Skelmersdale has begun his NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing and Heating and Wesley Spencer, 18, from Maghull is studying for NVQ Level 2/3 on the same programme.
Michael Fulwood, 18, from Wigan is undertaking NVQ Level 2 in Plastering.
Company director Philip Crosby of HPH who have been trading for 23 years, said: “Our sustained dedication to training and development before and throughout the recession has meant we have stayed competitive and are continuing to win new contracts.
“We are constantly looking for enthusiastic staff to mould into the managers of tomorrow and Apprenticeships have made a real difference to the quality of our latest intake. They are increasingly becoming a vital part of our team and the future of the operation.”
Mr Crosby was speaking at the Merseyside Allstars event at which HPH employee Ian Cartlidge, along with over 200 other Merseyside based individuals, was recognised for the outstanding contribution he has made to his company’s training and development.
The event, held at the BT convention centre, was supported by the European Social Fund.
Mr Crosby also highlighted the positive effect that employing apprentices has had on the company as a whole.
He added; “The Apprenticeship programme helps build the confidence of young people. As well as being important for the professional and personal development of the apprentice, the whole team has benefited.
“Seeing the success of apprentices encourages others at the company to investigate how to advance their career via further education. We have created a training culture within our organisation which is important as we need to ensure we are not left behind in this constantly changing environment in which we work.
“I would highly recommend that other businesses consider taking on apprentices.”
Mark Donnelly, North West employer services manager for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “An Apprenticeship is a win-win situation for everyone involved. An employer develops highly skilled and motivated staff, while the apprentices themselves are given the opportunity to earn a wage while receiving on-the-job training.”
