At Aptus we recognise the value apprentices bring to our company and the instrumental role they play in shaping our business as it grows. We also believe that investing in and creating a skilled workforce is essential to safeguard the future of the UK utility and construction industries.
To support these ambitions we have recruited apprentices on both the construction and administrative sides of the business and evolved excellent partnerships with leading training providers to help with the delivery of our apprenticeship programme.
Our approach has proved highly successful, with advanced and higher apprentices and trainees accounting for around 16 per cent of the workforce. In 2017 our investment in staff training and development was recognised at the Skills for Business Awards, hosted by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and GM Learning Provider Network when we won in the Medium Business of the Year category and for Best Investor overall.
In 2018 we won North West SME Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards, further demonstrating that the company is meeting the wider national demand for apprenticeships and at the required standards.
Aptus Business Administration Apprentices come to us through award-winning North West training providers Alliance Learning. They are mentored through on-the-job training at our head office, where they work towards nationally-recognised BTEC or NVQ qualifications. Apprentices have the option to progress on to higher levels of learning and are actively encouraged to specialise in chosen areas of the business to advance their career with Aptus.
In 2015 we underlined our commitment to apprentices with the launch of our Craft Apprenticeship programme. This marked the first phase of our strategy to build a team of operatives skilled in multi-utility and jointing to support the company’s ongoing expansion in the North West, North East and Midlands. A second phase was launched in autumn 2017 with eight new recruits joining our ranks, and this will be followed by a third phase in September 2019.
We have collaborated with Manchester-based training providers Utility & Construction Training Ltd, to design craft apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with practical training and on-site experience. This training equips our Multi Utility Apprentices with specialist skills in Gas, Water and Electric, as well as Street Lighting and enables us to develop a workforce of fully competent operatives that meet both company and governing body requirements.
Multi-Utility Apprentices gain a level 2 NVQ in Water and Gas mains and service laying as well as CPCS plant operation qualifications and CSCS qualifications. Those who complete the Jointing Apprenticeship will gain a Level 3 NVQ in electrical power networks. Qualifications are gained through City & Guilds, CABWI and other awarding bodies.
In this short video, we look at how investing in the workforce safeguards the future of the company, and our apprentices give an insight into the support and training at Aptus.
“Our Craft Apprenticeship scheme should also help the overall utility industry in fulfilling long term infrastructure delivery objectives. With housebuilding a major priority for government the demand for skills in construction and utilities will continue to rise and Aptus will play their part in meeting these demands over the long term.”
– Managing Director Lisa Kerford
If you're looking to enquire about any of our services, or have any questions, please get in touch by phone or email.
Email: info@aptusutilities.co.uk Call: 01204 325 000