Stewart Milne Group increases apprenticeships
5 March 2020Stewart Milne celebrated Apprenticeship Week by reporting that apprentices now account for 5% of its workforce. The home builder and timber systems manufacturer has 39 apprentices across the group.
The apprentices work in joinery, plumbing and quantity surveying, undergoing a four-year programme to gain the skills and experience for a career in a sector which continues to face skills shortages.
There are three apprenticeship routes within Stewart Milne: trades apprenticeships, fast-track modern apprenticeships and the graduate apprenticeship programme.
“Our business is truly built on apprentices from senior managers to directors, many of our staff have come through the apprenticeship route. We’re pleased and proud of our commitment to apprenticeships as a way of attracting people into the sector and offering them the opportunity to build attractive careers in construction.” said Karen Catto, HR director.
The apprenticeship programme is aimed at aspiring assistant site managers - offering apprentices the opportunity to train as construction site supervisors during a 9-month programme, and then 13 months on-the-job completion of their SVQ.
The framework allows an individual to gain the modern apprenticeship using an SVQ in construction site supervision, coupled with an industry recognised supervisory qualification – the ILM Diploma in Management and Leadership Practice for the Construction and Built Environment sector.
The group is committed to attracting the right people into the industry and providing the best training, mentoring and learning experience support their development. Each apprentice is assigned a journeyman - an experienced tradesperson who acts as their mentor and supports them in developing their skills and confidence.
In the last five years more than forty apprentices that have joined the business, 26 as trade apprentices, nine as fast track apprentices, one trainee assistant site manager graduate apprentice and three office-based apprentices.
“At Stewart Milne Group, we are very proud of our culture that encourages and supports personal development so we can nurture our employee’s talent without limits,” said Stewart Milne, a former apprentice himself. “Whether entering the industry for the first time, or building on years of knowledge and skills, there are opportunities and tools available to help our employees build a successful and rewarding career.”
