Apprenticeship Programme in Full Swing

As you may have seen in the press our apprenticeship programme, which runs out of our Training Academy, is in full swing with 24 apprentices currently. Whilst some have been with us for a couple of years, the majority were recruited in September as the first official cohort for the academy.

The SERS Apprenticeship Framework specialises in delivering training and assessment for a wide range of construction skills but principally solid wall insulation as well as renewable technologies.

Each of the above apprentices is on a four-year apprenticeship programme to give them the opportunity to gain experience and qualifications in a wide range of construction skills. 22 apprentices are aged between 18 -24 whilst two are over 25. They are all studying solid wall insulation, electrical, plumbing, and plastering apprenticeship frameworks.

The apprenticeship programmes involve the trainees working on real projects around the UK, as well as spending time in local colleges, and at the SERS Training Academy. Agreements have already been drawn up to support the programme with Coleg y Cymoedd College in Caerphilly and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology. The scheme has also been commended by Business in the Community of which SERS is a member.

The SERS Apprenticeship Framework will develop tailored training plans for each individual to ensure that the training delivered caters for individual needs and skills to attain the relevant NVQ qualifications which will make them a valuable asset to prospective employers. The programme will go a long way to helping the skills shortages which have dogged the construction industry for many years.

Our HR Director Kevin Ruane said the SERS Apprenticeship Framework would develop vital skills which would seed the construction industry, providing the next generation of skilled installers, craftsmen and managers. During their time on the apprenticeship, they will work on real projects gaining invaluable skills needed by the specialist construction industry.