The UK’s largest equipment hire company was named in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list for the second year running at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2017 held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The only major equipment rental company to be included in the list, A-Plant’s commitment to training the next generation of skilled plant maintenance teams, customer service personnel and transport and logistics teams is pioneering for the construction equipment rental sector.
There are currently 166 apprentices in training across five different apprenticeship streams whilst the company invests more than £2m in the programme annually and has an industry leading retention rate. A-Plant’s apprenticeship programme was first launched in 2005. Since then many apprentices have been promoted to senior roles across the business and the programme is oversubscribed each year. The company holds its own apprenticeship celebration to recognise the outstanding work of individuals.
A-Plant’s Head of Training, Bob Harper said they were thrilled to be named in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list for 2017, which features many leading household names. “We are delighted to have made the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list once again and this recognition is testament to A-Plant’s commitment to training the next generation. Apprentices are a vital part of A-Plant’s future and our apprenticeship scheme has become much sought after and widely recognised across the construction industry. Apprentices bring fresh eyes to the workplace and offer opportunities for experienced A-Plant employees to share their extensive skills and knowledge. It creates a healthy and dynamic workplace for everyone as well as ensuring we have the right skills in place.”
Hannah Maddocks is a Customer Service Apprentice with A-Plant’s specialist division, FLG Services and is based at their Liverpool service centre. She explained: “FLG Services provides lifting and safety equipment so some of the products are very technical but I get a great deal of support from my mentor and my line manager to help build my product knowledge. “I work directly alongside my mentor and he guides me with my coursework, shows me the filing systems and generally helps me a lot. I’m learning something new every single day and hope to become a Hire Controller once I’ve successfully completed my apprenticeship.”
Paige Carter is a Fitter for A-Plant Powered Access and is based at a service centre in Stockton-on-Tees. She completed a three-year plant maintenance apprentice with A-Plant and in the final year was the first female winner of a national award at the Construction Plant-Hire Association’s (CPA) ‘Stars of the Future’ awards. She explained: “Initially I looked into a number of different apprenticeships across the construction industry and A-Plant stood out as it gave me the opportunity to learn about a range of engineering disciplines – mechanical, electrical, hydraulics and fabrication. My colleagues are absolutely lovely and if you offered me a job in a nice warm office, I wouldn’t take it. I love working in the workshop and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, commented on A-Plant being named a Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer. “The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list 2017 demonstrates clearly the impact apprentices can have on an organisation. Apprentice employers are creating opportunities for individuals to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, up to degree level, while working and earning. These Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers are making a difference to the lives of their apprentices by investing in their future. In return, apprentices are helping employers to develop a skilled, qualified workforce to build a stronger economy. I hope the success of these Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers will mean more businesses across England aspire to follow their example and to find out for themselves how apprenticeships help to grow a skilled and highly qualified workforce.”
To find out more about A-Plant’s apprenticeship scheme click here
