As national apprenticeship week begins, Adrian Hart, Managing Director of Story’s Plant Division, has set out his intention to provide 20 apprenticeship opportunities for young talent in the Plant team.
This follows on from the Plant divisions’ significant investment in future talent in recent years.
The most recent cohort of four Apprentice Fitters joined the Plant division’s Stores and Workshop teams in August 2020 and are currently being supported through their studies at Myerscough College. The Plant team also welcomed a group of seven apprentices in 2018, including five apprentice plant operators, many of whom have now successfully completed their RRV Operator competency courses.
Adrian said: “We are committed to providing opportunities for, and developing, the next generation of talent in the Plant industry. This is shown by our intent to welcome a further 20 apprentices to the team in the coming years.
“The combination of investment in future talent and new machinery to complement our existing fleet, we will ensure that we continue to offer a quality service for all of our clients.”
The good news comes as young people have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption to the jobs market.
Jon Kittoe, Apprentice Small Tools Fitter, was one of the four apprentices to start a career with the Story Plant team in 2020.
Jon said: “I’m really grateful to the Plant team for the support they’ve given me throughout my apprenticeship so far. It’s been fantastic to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience whilst also earning money, particularly since we’re on double the normal apprenticeship wage.
He added: “I’m just very happy to be in work every day, especially because a lot of my friends are on furlough.”
This new commitment backs up Story’s membership to the 5% Club, driving momentum into the recruitment of apprentices, graduates and sponsored students.
Gill Cronin, Director of The 5% Club said: “We’re delighted Story is such a committed member of The 5% Club. What unites members of The Club is a shared commitment to providing ‘earn and learn’ programmes to help create a skilled UK workforce while providing everyone with stronger career paths.
“Never has this been more important than in the current economic crisis created in the wake of COVID-19, which is falling so heavily on the unskilled. It is terrific to see Story providing such fantastic new opportunities within its own workforce.”
