News: Willmott Dixon recruits Rotherham apprentices

Willmott Dixon Partnerships has recruited four local apprentices in Rotherham as part of the National Apprenticeship Service's 100 in 100 campaign.

Stacey Bann, Jack Smith, Tyler Shaw and Daniel Essex will join Willmott Dixon's Rotherham branch through the company's pledge to recruit eight local apprentices each year and its partnership with Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT).

Willmott Dixon Partnerships is working with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's arms length management organisation 2010 Rotherham to deliver a repairs service to 12,000 council-owned properties in the areas of Wentworth South, Wentworth Valley, Rother Valley West and Rother Valley South.

David Coldwell, Rotherham branch manager at Willmott Dixon said: "We were keen to recruit Building Maintenance Operations apprentices but there were no college providers to deliver the training in the local area.

"We contacted the National Apprenticeship Scheme and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and both organisations were willing to investigate the options, meet to discuss requirements and find a way forward. We were thrilled when months of hard work paid off and the college was given centre approval to deliver the training programme.

"It's allowed us to recruit four new local apprentices and give two existing employees, Nick Booth and Robert Lane, the opportunity to further their careers.

"Through our contract with 2010 Rotherham we're aiming to provide opportunities for eight apprentices every year. It is our aim to leave a lasting legacy in the communities where we are working and this is an important step forward, not just for Willmott Dixon, but also local youngsters and an opportunity for new qualifications and jobs to be created in the area. We would welcome the involvement of other local companies who wish to invest for tomorrow rather than just today."

Charles Grayson, senior business advisor at RCAT, added: "We are focused on supporting the training needs of local employers and opening career opportunities for our region's young people.

"The Building Maintenance Operations apprenticeship offers a wide range of construction skills ranging from carpentry and joinery to painting and decorating, and even maintenance plumbing.

"We received over 100 applications and the six successful candidates have really shown the enthusiasm, drive and willingness learn which embeds the ethos of apprenticeship training today."

Stacey Bann, is one of the apprentices who has started work with Willmott Dixon. She said: "I did a six month training programme through 2010 Rotherham and learnt basic construction skills, like plastering and tiling. It helped me to realise that I wanted to do plastering as a career, but I couldn't find a job and ended up being unemployed for five months which was horrible.

"When I wake up in the morning I need to know that I've got something to do and a routine because I like to be active. I've always preferred doing practical things so a hands on role is perfect for me.

"Finding out that I'd got the apprenticeship was fantastic and I just can't wait to start work and training for my industry qualifications."

The 100 in 100 Apprenticeship campaign has the aim of 100 South Yorkshire companies committing to recruit or start to train 100 apprentices in 100 days.

Wilmott Dixon website
RCAT website

Images: Wilmott Dixon