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More SMEs should explore student work placement for trades, says CIOB member
Nicky Roger Community editor
Bogdanhoda | Dreamstime.com
DHG Build Solutions is working with Gateshead College to offer work placement for students of constructiontrades.
Andy Britten MCIOB, senior project manager at DHG, said the initiative came about after the company’s electrical department took on an apprentice.
“As a bigger company in the ‘small’ company bracket, we never previously considered apprentices or work experience – until our new electrical department took on an apprentice.
“This has been of great benefit to our company, and I realised the opportunities we were missing as a business and the injustice being served to both the next generation of workers – and, by extension, the industry as a whole.
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“It is typical for tier 1 contractors to offer students site experience, however it is unusual for smaller companies to do the same.
“If we all realised the importance of this offering, and all worked together to develop the up-and-coming generation, then we can ensure that a constant stream of skilled labour can continue.”
‘Reach out to local colleges’
As well as offering work experience, Britten is giving talks to students at the college on different ways they can progress.
Britten is keen to see other businesses follow suit. “I would urge anyone who is in a position to do so to also reach out to their local colleges and offer any support you can to the upcoming talent within the industry. This is a very rewarding experience, with proven benefits to everyone involved.”
He explained: “The apprentices are able to take advantage of opportunities that they may otherwise have never been exposed to, our individual companies can benefit from fresh eyes, new ideas and young eager minds to mould.”
“Ultimately the industry will benefit from a larger, more varied and invested group of young people who are ready and willing to learn and grateful to the industry for giving them these experiences and a springboard into their lifelong careers.”
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