Applus+ Apprenticeship Celebration event

Since 2017, employers across the country have been adopting the NDT apprenticeship scheme in order to create a sustainable future for their businesses. As apprentices join an organisation at an early stage in their career, it is likely that their early career learning and development will be more attuned to the ins and outs of the specific company’s culture and operational procedures, which makes for a valuable long-term employee. This ensures that a learner develops into the ‘best fit’ possible for both the role and the organisation. In addition, employing apprentices has the benefit of demonstrating an organisation’s commitment to society and the skills market.

Last month, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Applus+ Apprenticeship Celebration event in Falkirk to meet with apprentices and see them receive their internal company awards for successful completion. It was also an opportunity to hear from senior management and the apprentices on how the NDT apprenticeship scheme has helped to develop individual careers, as well as support business operations.

Eight apprentices have successfully completed NDT apprenticeships with Applus+ so far, resulting in 24 NDT Level 2 certificates. There are a further six NDT Engineering Technician apprentices currently completing their training programme at various Applus+ sites across the country and, if all go on to successfully complete, this will create a further 18 NDT Level 2 certificates for industry, as well as an extremely well-equipped and talented workforce. The celebration event was a resounding success and what was clear to me on my drive back down south was the outstanding commitment of Applus+ to the NDT skills market, as well as the company’s culture to invest in young people. It has developed a thriving and sustainable workforce to help ensure continued business success in the future. I hope to see other organisations mirror this celebration event to highlight how apprentices can flourish through apprenticeships.

Please note that the views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not represent the views of Skills Training UK or BINDT.

Sam Cunningham is with Skills Training UK and is a member of BINDT’s Education & Professional Development Committee, which oversees the development of the NDT apprenticeships.

Employers in England looking to recruit an apprentice can find up-to-date guidance at: www.gov.uk/recruit-apprentice

Details of the current apprenticeship vacancies in England are available at: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Comments by members

This forum post has no comments, be the first to leave a comment.

<< Back