Apprenticeship Awards 2024

LADDER FORTHE BLACKCOUNTRY

IN PARTNERSHIPWITH

Todaythe Express &Star in conjunction withLadder forthe BlackCountryand Compass UK&I areproud to announce theofficial launch of theLadder forthe Black CountryApprenticeship Awards 2024.

These awards aredesigned to showcase thebest apprentices and their employers across the BlackCountry.

This supplement highlights theawardscategories and criteria, their sponsors and howyou canenter either an individual apprenticeor your owncompany.

Onceentries have closed and the judging hastaken place the awards willculminateina presentation evening at West BromwichAlbion Football Club

We look forwardtoreceivingyour entries.

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Compass: agreat recipe fortraining

CompassGroup UK & Irelandisproud to sponsorThe Ladder forThe BlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards 2024.

JonathanFoot, theheadofapprenticeshipsand earlycareers forCompass GroupUK &Ireland, explainedthatthe groupoperates in more than 5,000locations right acrossthe UK andIreland –providingexpertcatering, cleaning and facilities management services to a rangeofclients andsectors

Employs

In theUKand IrelandCompass employstensofthousands of talentedpeopleproviding tasty, wellcooked food andsupport services to improve thehealthand wellbeingof workers,schoolchildren,hospital patients, themilitaryand visitors to thenation’smajor sports andculturalevents.

Mr Foot said:“Earlierthisyear, we launched XceleratewithEdgbaston.Thisisastate of-the-art facility,providing frontofhouse,back of house, facilities management andITdigital solutionstrainingfor buddingchefs andhospitality professionals of thefuture.

“Thisregionalcommunity skills andlearninghub is equipped with cutting-edgetechnologyallowing

peopletotrain with thelatestinnovationstoprovide customersand clientswithgreat food andgreat service.

“Wewanttotakealeadintrainingupthe chefs,event managers,

receptionists, baristas andfacilitiesmanagersofthe future and showcasethe hospitalitysectorasa greatplacetowork,”explained Mr Foot.

TheXcelerate projectisajoint in-

itiative with Edgbaston,LevyUK+I andCompass It aligns with mutual goalstoempowerlocal communities, notably be reinforcingCompass’s ‘Mission to aMillion’, acampaignaimingto

impact onemillion livesby2030.

“These awards bringtolifeour commitment to supporting careers andthe local communityand we are delightedtobeinvolved,”addedMr Foot

Compass UK &Ireland is training chefsand hospitality professionals

Thegroup’s staffproduce great food for allkinds of events each year

Ladder awards celebrateapprentices

TheLadderfor theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards return fortheir thirdedition in November.

Entriesfor the13categoriesopen todaywiththe deadline of September 13.Details of how to enter featurein thecentre of this supplement

Theawardswill be taking place this year at West Bromwich Albion’s HawthornsgroundonWednesday, November13.

KevinDavis,chairmanofThe LadderApprenticeshipFoundation, said:“Iamdelighted that with our mediapartnersand sponsors, we areabletocelebrate allthingsapprenticeshipswiththisour third LadderAwardsinthe BlackCountry.

“Thissupport is typical of the Ladder’suniquepartnershipswith media, trainingproviders andemployers, formed 10 yearsago with thegoalofpromoting of apprenticeships, as ameans forsocialmobility.

“All thosewho have supported theLadderbrand,can look back with pride at theimpactmade.

“The LadderApprenticeship Foundation haschampionedthe mobility of learners ,young andold, througheducation newskillsand work, what ourpatronwould term, a‘Ladderofopportunity’.Wehave shown how a diversity of apprenticeships, andthe appropriate support andpromotion,isakey rung towardsamoremobilesociety.”

Theawardsare backed by the Express& Star whichfeatures theLadderfor theBlackCountry throughoutthe year CompassUKand Irelandisthe

headline sponsorfor theawards whichinclude apprentice categories for: construction andpropertyindustries; engineeringand manufacturing;health, educationand care; professional services;tech, digital andcreative industries andhospitality,retail, tourismand travel.

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR: HEALTH,EDUCATION &CARE

Bushitsthe road to detail newhospital

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

ResidentsacrossSandwell

andWestBirmingham

can find outmoreabout a state-of-the-arthospital by hopping onto abus packed with information.

TheMidland MetropolitanUniversity Hospital in Smethwick, openslater this year andwill houseone largeaccidentand emergencydepartmentand 50 percenten-suiterooms forpatients.

It will also boastanultra-modern maternitydepartmentwhere women will be abletogivebirth in comfortable surroundings

Theengagementtourbus manned by JayneSalter-Scott, head of public andcommunity engagement,and Mal Phull, publicand communityengagement manageratSandwelland West Birmingham NHSTrust,willshare informationabout thenew site

They arealsoonhandtoexplain what services will remain at Sandwell andCityHospitals whichare runby thetrust

Jaynesaid: “The bushas been kittedout with information, including booklets andmerchandise that we can sharewithour community.Weare raising awarenessabout what services will be at MMUH,and some keydates about themove.”

Thetourbus is not only parkingup outsidethe trust’svarious sitesbut is also visiting partnerorganisations acrossthe community

Pop-up stands arealso situated at Sandwell andCityHospitals

They will also be hostingseveral drop-insessionsfor patients, visitors andstaff

Formoredetails aboutwhere the buswillbegoing to please visithttps:// www.swbh.nhs.uk/get-involved/events/

Thereare also awards foremployersand trainingproviders

Theawardsare open to apprenticesand businesses from right acrossthe Express&Starcirculation area

Mr Davisadded: “2024marks the tenthyearofthe Ladderapprentice-

OpeningOctober2024

ship campaignscomingunder our stewardshipwithnow over 10,000 apprenticeshipscreated

“These awards celebratenot just these achievements, butthe achievementofapprentices,good employersand good trainingproviders.”

2023apprenticeship awards winnerscelebrateatBescotStadium,WalsallKevin Davis, chairman of theofLadderFoundation,atthe

2023 awards

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR: TECH,DIGITALAND CREATIVE

College’sstrategyis to proveexceptional

HalesowenCollege is proudtosponsorthis year’s Express&StarApprenticeship Awards and celebrate localtalent.

We have an excellentreputationin offering aquality furthereducation experience across awidecurriculum. Andwithanew leadership teamin place, anew strategy is underway;to be exceptional; that ourstudents will be inspired to be ambitious, achieve theirpotential,personallyand professionallyand cruciallyuse theskills they have developed during studies.

Employersand stakeholders areintegral to this, helpingshape ourcurriculum so we canensurethatour learners areprovidedwiththe knowledgeneeded to move on to positive destinations. Throughour employer engagement events andforums, we have listened to many business areaswho have told us the qualitiestheywant to seeinpotential employeestomeet theirskillsgaps.

Likewise,our rangeofapprenticeship standardshavebeenfacilitated with this in mind;tomeetthe demandsofbusinesses andorganisations acrossthe region whofacelabour and skillsgapsinthe business and finance, customerservice,healthcaresciences andsocialcare, earlyyears,pharmacy anddigital andITindustries.

Apprenticeshipsgiveyoung people andthose lookingtore-trainorupskill an opportunitytoenter thejob market andbenefitfromtrainingwhilethey arelearning. Foremployerstheyare afantastic waytodevelop andupskill theexistingworkforce as well as developinga future talent pipeline When you engage with thecollege you will access an industry experiencedstaff team.Contact ouremploymentengagementteamon0121602 7777 andstart thediscussion today.

Award-winninglaw firm HiggsLLP is championing up-and-comingtalentin theregionbysponsoring theApprenticeofthe Year: Professional Services categoryinthe Ladder forthe BlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards 2024.

The firm,based in Brierley Hill, sees apprenticeshipsasanimportant way to nurturetalentasitcontinues its growth

Higgscurrently have multiple apprenticesstudyingvarious legaland non-legalqualificationswhilelearning on thejob alongsideother talented colleagues.

They areworking in awiderange of teams including finance, commercial property,private client andcharities

Sophie Wardell, People Director at Higgs, whichhas itsofficesatWaterfrontBusinessPark, said:“We are proudtobea sponsorofthese awards whichwillagain shinea lightonsome of theregion’smostimpressiveapprentices.

“Lastyear’sevent wasexceptional anditwas aprivilege to read aboutthe many achievements of theapprentices involved.Welookforward to celebratingwiththe winnersatthe finalevent when these apprenticeswill receivethe

recognitiontheyrichlydeserve.”Last year Higgssupported anumberofsolicitorapprentices within thebusiness. Thequalification provides an alternative routeintothe profession underpinned by a“learn-as-you-earn” approach Higgs, whichhas almost 150years of legacy,isa Living Wage Employer and hasanInvestors in People accreditation

work closely with employers from

HiggsapprenticeDan Woodcock

HalesowenCollege is asponsor

Building Exceptional Partnerships &Community Through People.

Wearestrongertogether.Inthewaythatwe unlockland,inthewaywedesign,inthewaythatwebuild... Throughstrategicpartnershipswithtenleadinghousing associations,wearedeliveringmorethan500affordable homesacrosstheWestMidlandsoverthenexttwelvemonths.

Thisisn’tjustbricksandmortar,thesearecommunitieswhere peoplewillcallhomeandwheretheywillstartcreatin brighterfutureforthemselvesandtheirfamilies.

Keon Homeshas evolved into oneofthe UK’s fastestgrowing developers of much-neededaffordable housingand ExtraCare schemes.

Underthe guidance of industry expertsWarrenBoltonand RichardWilliams, theBurntwood-basedcompany spottedanopportunityin themarketplacefor anew approach to delivering ambitiousprojectsthatplace‘community’atits heart.

Collaborationisthe key. Building strong relationshipswithmorethan10 housingassociationstounlockdisused siteshas seen it complete over 400essentialplots, with afurther 850underwayorabout to start.

Delivering skillsvital to ourmanufacturers

Make UK is honoured to sponsorthe engineering andmanufacturing category at theLadderfor the BlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards.

“The Manufacturers’ Organisation” is focusedoncreatingthe most supportiveenvironment forUKmanufacturers to thrive,innovateand compete. Onesuchareaisapprenticeship. It deliversover 300apprenticeships a year creating the next generation of engineersand manufacturingleaders throughelectrical, mechanical and engineeringapprenticeships, building the pipeline of talent that theindustry dependson.

In an erawhere advanced manufacturing techniquesand digitalinnovationsare reshapingthe landscape, Make UK stands outbyproviding comprehensive androbust trainingpathways that alignwithindustryneeds. Theseapprenticeships arenot just about impartingtechnical knowledge; they aredesignedtocultivate anew generation of professionalswho are equipped with both practicalskillsand theoreticalunderstanding Commercialmanager TerriHoltom said “Our customersaysone of the most significant advantages to Make UK’s apprenticeship offering is their close alignmentwithindustryrequire-

ments. Providingyoung engineers with thetools andconfidencetotackle complexchallenges from dayone with thelatesttechnologiesand methodologies.

“Inadditiontotechnical prowess, theprogramme places astrong emphasis on developing soft skillssuchas teamwork, problem-solvingand communication.”

If you wouldlikeany furtherinformation,contact theapprenticeship team at asrecruitment@makeuk.org

Furthermore, 90 percentofthe schemesithas workedontodatehave been brownfieldsites,reinforcingits ‘brownfield first’ policy

“Our workforce has grownrapidly, approaching50directlyand hundreds more indirectly in oursupplychain whoworkondevelopments acrossthe East andWestMidlands,”explained Matt Beckley, head of development at Keon Homes

“A bigfocus is on growingour own talent andwecurrently employ five apprenticesindifferent areasofour business,withthe opportunitytotakeon

more over thenextt12 months. Whydo we do this?Quite simply,itallowsusto train them in keepingwiththe culture of ourcompany andthe Tara Group whoweare part of.” Matt concluded: “Withsomuchfocus on vocational learning,weare delighted to be sponsoring theConstruction andPropertyIndustriescategoryin this year’s Ladderfor theBlack CountryApprenticeshipAwards.”

Ruby is oneofKeon’sapprentices

IT’S TIME TO ACKNOWLEDGETHE VERY BEST APPRENTICESAND EMPLOYERS ACROSS OURREGION – ANDACHANCE TO GRAB APLACE IN THESPOTLIGHT!

TheLadder for theBlack Country Apprenticeship Awards hasoffically launched today.

This initiative is backed by theExpress & Star andrun in partnership with Ladder for theBlack Countryand Compass UK&I as headline sponsor.

With thirteen category awards,this will be acelebration of thebestand brightestyoung and maturelearners andthose organisationswho arefinding newwaystodrive aspirationand educationthroughtheir apprenticeship programmes

OurApprenticeship Awards areopen to anyapprentice or organisation that is based locallyinand around Wolverhampton, theBlack Country andStaffordshireregion, reflectingthe Express&Starcirculation area.Simply select thecategoryyou wish to enter, fill in theentry form andfollowthe criteria requiredfor each category

Thereare twelve categories youcan choose from,and it’s easy to take part.Visit apprenticeshipawards. expressandstar.com to choose your categories andsubmitanentry for each category youhavechosenbefore 5pmonthe closingdate– Friday, September132024.

When completing theform, tryand ensure it containsall therelevant points andsomeofthe individual’s/ company’spersonality too(remember that thejudgeswillreadahugeamount of information,soitwillhelpifitreally stands out). Youhaveamaximum of 1,100words to explainwhy youorthe business should be selected

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Afterthe closingdateon Friday, September132024,representatives of thecategorysponsorswillread through allthe nominees whohaveentered and choseashortlist of threefinalist for each category

Thefinalistsineachcategorywillbe informedonTuesday,September 24 that they have made theshortlist

Allfinalistswillbeinvited to the Apprenticeship Awards Eveningat

West Bromwich Albion Football Club on November 13 2024,where thewinners of each category will be announced

TheExpress &Star ‘Overall Apprentice of theYear2024’ will be chosen from categories 1-6byrepresentatives of Express&Starand will also be revealed at theawardseveninginNovember

Just before theevent,the Express& Star will carryaspecial supplement in-paper featuringall of thefinalists. If youare finalist,you will receive two complimentary ticketstothe awards eveningwiththe option to buyextra places PLEASENOTE

Contactdetails of allapprentices/ businesses that submit entrieswillbe made availabletoall category sponsors of thecampaignwho mayget in touch. Information will be treatedinthe strictestofconfidence andwillbe sharedonlywiththejudgeswhoinclude category sponsors

Sponsors andtheir business members canenter theirown category butwill relinquish theirresponsibility of judging thecategory. Apprentices/Businesses must be prepared to take part in anyrelevant publicity.

AWARDSPROJECT TEAM

Should youhaveany questions, please give us acallon 01902319767.

DATESFOR YOUR DIARY

FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER 13,20245PM Closingdatefor entries.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 2024 Finalistsnotifiedtheyhavebeen shortlisted.

WEDNEDAY,NOVEMBER 13 2024

Awards eveningat West Bromwich Albion FootballClub

APPRENTICE OF THEYEARCATEGORY CRITERIA (1-6)

To enterthe Apprentice of theYear categoriesapprenticesmustbe currently on aprogrammethatstarted before 01/03/2023 andfinishes on or after 11/11/2023

Your entrymustbe alignedtothe sector that youworkin. Judges will be lookingfor apprenticeswho candemonstrate their achievements, contributionand theimpact they have made within theindustrythey work:

• Thinkofyourteam, howtheyoperate andyourpersonalcontributiontoteam objectives

• Outlinethe skills youhavedeveloped since youbegan your apprenticeship

• Howhas your apprenticeship impacted on you, especially in termsofyour ambitionsand motivation?

• Howdoes your apprenticeship help your employermeetorganisational objectives?

• Includeyourpersonalaspirationsand plannedcareerpath

EMPLOYER OF THEYEARCATEGORY CRITERIA (7-9)

This awardrecognisesoutstanding commitment to apprenticesand apprenticeshipswithin an organisation.The judges arelooking for proactiveemployers whocan demonstratehow they have deliveredanapprenticeship programme that hasbenefited theorganisation andthatofyourapprentices(s). Please explain your strategy that drives your apprenticeship programme. Evidence is required as to:

• Whydoyou believe thedeliveryof your apprenticeship programmeis exceptional?

• Examplesofhow youmakeyour apprenticeshipsaccessible to people from allbackgrounds

EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT CRITERIA (11)

This awardwillrecognise proactive organisationswho go that extramileto engagewiththe community around them to helpshape ourfutureworkforce

• In your nomination, please describe themethods your organisation uses to engage with thebusinesscommunity andthe levelofthisengagement

• Whyisengagingwithbusinessand developing your pupils/students/ customers’ employabilityand soft skills (e.g.communication, team work, resilienceetc.) importantfor your organisation?How is this reflected andpromoted in your leadership, managementand governance?

• Describe howemployability andsoft skillsare practicallyincorporated into learningand/ortraining.Whatis innovative about your approach?

• List your organisation’s recent achievementsinrelationtodeveloping soft skillsand engaging with business. Describe anychallengesyou have overcome to achieve theseresults

• Please describe whyyourorganisation should winthe Educationand Engagement Award

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITYAWARD (12)

Open to allemployers that runan apprenticeship programmewhich actively encouragesdiversity andinclusion.Firstly give an overview of theapprenticeship programmethatyou offer, thenumber of apprenticesyou employ andthe apprenticeship trainingpathway that they receive beingpartofyourorganisation. Entriesshouldalsoinclude:

• Detail thebenefitsthatthe apprenticeshipshavebrought to your organisation andour localcommunity

• Detail howapprenticeshavebenefited from your trainingprogramme

• What sets your organisation above and beyond otheremployers?

Howhas your apprenticeship programme helpedmeetyourorganisations current andfuture skill requirements?

TRAINING PROVIDER OF THEYEAR CRITERIA

(10)

This awardwillrecognise excellence in the delivery of apprenticeships. Applications areencouragedfromall types of providers, irrespective of size.Judgeswillbelooking forproviders to demonstrate

• High Levels of engagementwith employers andapprentices

• Detail howyou apprenticeship programmeencouragesdiversity and inclusion

• Detail your future plansfor continuation/expansion of your apprenticeship programme

• Provideacasestudy exampleofan individual whohas excelledinyour apprenticeship programmeasa result of your diversityand inclusion programme

• Showcase,ifyou have,any external or internal promotion youhavereceived about your apprenticeship programme

• Sustained commitmenttoworking with employers in your sector, particularly howyourprovisionadapts to meet employerrequirements

• Evidenceofhigh levels of learner retention, progression, andpositive outcomes

• Howdoyou standout from other providers?

TRAINING PROVIDER OF THEYEAR

Drivingexcellence in businesstraining

Apreviouswinnerisproud to sponsorthe prestigious Training Provider of the Year category at this year’s Ladder forBlackCountry Awards.

As awinnerofthisdistinguished award, PerformanceThrough People understandsthe very positive impact it hadonour staffand how it confirmed thebearing thatour trainingcan have on both individualsand businesses

Winningin2022was atestament to ourrealcommitmenttoexcellence in apprenticeshipsand training.

It affirmed dedication to delivering top-tier trainingprogrammesthat equip learners with theskillsand knowledgerequired to excelintheir careers. This year,weare thrilled to supportand recognise other training providerswho shareour passionfor fosteringtalentand also to driving professional growth

Chiefexecutive RobColbourne said: “Sponsoring this category aligns with ourcoremission,which is to enhance thecapabilities of theworkforcesof ourcustomers

“Webelieve that investingin high-quality trainingiscrucialfor the region’s economic developmentand supporting empowermentofstaff

“By celebratingthe achievements of trainingproviders, we aimtohighlight

theimportanceofcontinuouslearning anddevelopmentinthe jobmarket PerformanceThrough People remains committedtosetting thestandardfor trainingexcellence.”

Pleasejoinus in celebratingall the contributionsofthisyear’snominees andlet us continue to championthe poweroftrainingtotransform lives anddrive successatyourbusiness.

If youwould liketoknowmore contactuson03332408302oremail info@ptp-training.co.uk

Thecontinuingdemand forteammemberdevelopmentisnothing newto Marston’s, whotrain and developmorethan200 apprenticeseachyear.

Since2022Marston’s hasbeenexploringadditionalopportunitiesto supporttheir teamstoachieve more andgrowintobiggerbroader roles.

Senior Learning andDevelopment Partner, Nikita Sheldonexplained: “It’snot only Marston’sthatseeshow apprenticeshipssupport career development butmoreand moreofour pub andpub supportteams seethe benefitofanapprenticeshipdevelopment programme. Andthisisevidentwithin ourheadoffice in Wolverhampton, where11per cent of theworkforce are currentlyenrolledonanapprenticeship.Departments such as finance, humanresources, IT,learningand development,procurement,estates,and operations aretakingthe opportunity to develop andupskill theirteams.”

Nikita said that by working with innovative apprenticeship training partners andidentifyingopportunities to supportthe widerworkforce, Marston’shas puttogetherapackageofnon-hospitality apprenticeship developmentprogrammestofurther engage andinvolve them in continued

professional development. By listening andrespondingtothe needsoftheir people andthe business,Marston’s hasalso developedand launched its Womenin Leadership apprenticeship programme.

Supported by itsown internal women’s network, this packageofenhancementsand enrichment meansthe 12 to 18-month journeyfor everyone on this programmewill be trulyunique.

Marston’s developsapprentices

ChiefexecutiveRob Colbourne

SPONSORED

ApprenticeshipsatWolverhamptonHomes

ToanyonethinkingofdoingaWolverhamptonHomesapprenticeship, itishonestlythebestthingIhavedoneformycareer -Jasvin,BusinessAdministrationApprentice

Ifyou’vejustleftschoolorcollege,orarelookingforachange indirection,thiscouldbeyourperfectnextstep.

WolverhamptonHomes @wolveshomes

MEDIUM EMPLOYER OF THEYEAR (51-249EMPLOYEES)

Giving youngtalent newskillsinWalsall

Businesses in Walsallare demonstratingacommitment to fostering thenext generation of skilledworkersthrough participation in WalsallWorks.

This programme, whichfor thelast 12 yearshas supported businesses to employ and train local talent, has gained significant tractionamong the town’s enterprises, highlighting the community’sdedicationtovocational training andemployment opportunities

WalsallWorks,established to bridge thegap betweeneducation andemployment, promotesarange of jobs and apprenticeshipsacrossvarious industries. Throughits jobbrokerage service,Walsall Worksprovidesafreeservice to businesses to matchcandidates to theirvacancies,havingworkedwith 1,200employers sinceits inception. From engineeringtohospitality, businesses areopening theirdoors to youngtalent, providinghands-on experience andprofessionaldevelopment.Thisinitiativenot only equips apprenticeswithvaluableskillsbut also addresses thelocal skillsshortage. We workwiththe newlyfundedPath 2Apprenticeships providerstocreate astructuredsupport programmefor young people aspiring to access apprenticeships. Theprogramme active-

city’s youngpeople

Wolverhampton Homesis proud to supportyoung people in thecitythrough itsestablished and award-winningapprenticeship programme.

Thecompany,which manages more than21,000 properties on behalf of the City of WolverhamptonCouncil,offers paid apprenticeships.

This year’s apprenticeswillsupport ourPropertyServicesdirectorate coveringbricklaying,carpentryand plastering.

Withthe rising cost of living,many young people arelooking foralternativestouniversity.Anapprenticeship is the perfect way to earn while you learn.

ShaunAldis,chief executiveofWolverhamptonHomes, said:“We’recommitted to helping people get on in life andare developing initiativesthat supportthe council’sprioritytoreduce youth unemployment in thecity.

“We have a long tradition of bringingapprentices into thebusiness and now, more than ever,choosing an apprenticeship canoffer young people opportunities they may not otherwise experience.”

“For anyone thinking aboutapplying to become an apprentice here,the best advice Iwould give is go forit!

“Don’t hesitate if theapprenticeship is really somethingthatyou want to do.”

ly supports pre-apprenticeship courses to ensure that agreater number of people areready andabletostart a newapprenticeship.

Oneofthe challenges that young people face is knowingabout therange of professionsand qualificationsavailable.Toaddress this,Walsall Works’ experienced advisers providecareer guidance andinformparticipants about thebenefits andprogression opportunitiesofeachrole.

Each apprentice is paired with a mentor whowill providethe support needed to help learners reachtheir potential. Ravel, oneofWolverhamptonHomescurrent apprentices, said:

To find outmoreabout theopportunities, visitwww.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/apprentices

wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/apprenticeships An awardwinninginitiative helping localpeop to gain theemployability skillsand confidence to find

ticeshipsand training. Supporting localbusinessestoexpand,grow andinvestintheir future workforce skills.

01922654353 walsallworks.com walsallworks@walsall.gov.uk @walsallworks WalsallWorks @walsallworks

Wolverhampton Homes apprentices

Walsall Workstrainslocal talent

In today’sfast-paced world, theright talent can make allthe difference.

Dudley College’sapprenticeships are at theforefront of talent development, providingbusinesseswithskilled professionals whileofferingindividuals a pathwaytosuccess

Whyworkwithus?

l We workwithhundreds of employersnationwidedeliveringapprenticeship programmes across30disciplines.

l We offerapprenticeships from Level2toLevel 7.

Dudley Collegehas aproven track record of effectivelyrecruitinghigh qualitycandidatesfor your apprenticeship vacanciesand this serviceis completely free!Wesupport your business throughthe wholerecruitment process, taking the hassle outofrecruitmentbyadvertisingthe vacancy, screeningthe applicants, arranging theinterviewsand on-boardingthe successfulcandidate.

Benefits of hiring an apprentice:

l Apprenticeships area greatway of attractingenthusiastictalentwith freshideas

l They canbetailored to specific jobroles,makingthem flexible to the needsofyourbusiness.

l Theaverageapprenticeshipimprovesproductivitybyover£10,000 peryear.

INCLUSION ANDDIVERSITY IN APPRENTICESHIPS

Transforminglives is university’s aim

TheUniversityofWolverhampton’snew strategy presents averyclear vision –tocreateopportunity,transform livesand buildamoreinclusive, productive andsustainable society.

Continuing to supportlocal communities to gain university-level educationhas been acornerstone of the university’s workfor many yearsand is demonstratedbyits investment into differentqualificationsand routes to education. This includes theApprenticeship Hub, opened in 2016,which hasbeenasourceofsupport and information forthousands of apprentices, as well as companieslooking to upskill.

Theuniversity’s apprenticeship offering continuestogrow, having recently securedfunding thatwill supportthree newdegreeapprenticeship standardsinchildren’snursing, podiatry, andparamedic science. We arecommitted to raisingstandards andwideningparticipation;demonstratedin ourapprenticeshipoffer by thedevelopment of thenew ‘Aspiring Apprentices’ programme, designed to supportindividuals to developtheir skillsand confidence.

Theuniversity is keytothe success of thelocal areaand itsworkforce,as well as incredibly proudofits gradu-

ates whoare making an amazing contributiontotheir localcommunities everyday

We have been working hard to ensurethatthe cultureand diversity of theWestMidlandsregion is more accurately mirroredinour apprentice studentbodyand theuniversityis proudtobesupportingthe 2024 Ladderfor theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards in thecategoryofInclusion andDiversity

•recruitmentand placements •researchand consultancy expertise •facilitiesand equipment hire

l They areatried andtested way to recruitnew staff, re-train or upskill existing employees.

l They canhelpreducestaff turnover,byincreasingemployeesatisfaction andloyalty

Readytogrowtogether?

We’d be delighted to speaktoyou to find outhow we cansupport you

Visitour website andone of our team will be in touchtoexplorehow we cancultivate success together:dudleycol.ac.uk

SPONSOREDBY

SPONSOR

In-Commbuildsthe future workforce

At In-CommTraining, we’vewitnessed themanufacturing andengineeringlandscape undergo profound evolutionover thelast35years,thanks to theuse of groundbreaking technology.

However,withthisprogress,one critical area haslagged:skillsdevelopment

Many business owners andleaders todaystrugglewiththe skillsgap, needingteams with precise technical expertise andleaders whocan innovate effectivelytodrive manufacturingand engineeringforward.Businessesare cravingexceptional talent andinnovative solutionstotacklethisescalating challengehead-on

We championapprenticeships and lifelong learning as vitalstrategies forbridgingthe skills gap. Addressing the skilled toolmakershortage, we’ve takena pioneeringstepwithour precision toolingacademy.Collaborating with Brandauer, we’veinvested over £1 milliontoestablish acutting-edge commercialtoolroomat ourAldridge facility,toproduce complex tooling andaprofessionaltraininggroundfor future toolmakers anddesigners

Throughforging robust partnershipswithemployers,wegrasp the hurdlesbusinessesencounter.Wheth-

Openingdoors and inspiringpeople

People areatthe heartof thebusinessfor Wolverhampton-basedMarston’s.

Jane Murray,DirectorofLearning andDevelopment, explained: “Our people strategy is to create aculture of engagement,recognition anddevelopment.Weactively encourageand support everyone at Marston’sto‘come as you are’ by building an inclusive cultureamongstour employees, pub partners andsuppliers.Our aimisto reflectthe diversity of ourguestsand thecommunities we serve, andtodo that we need to attract,retain, and supportthe best people from diverse backgrounds.”

This is perfectlyshowcased through thecombined workofthe Apprenticeship andCommunities teams at Marston’s.Since 2018,the Apprenticeship team haseagerly engaged with several schoolsinthe BlackCountry,hosting students andteachersat itsHQin Wolverhampton, deliveringcareers talksand even taking over school lessons –showcasingthe sciencebehind theirmenudevelopment to food tech students andaspiringchefs

Theworkofthe communities team at Marston’shas takeneducation and engagement to thenextlevel with the introductionand ongoing development of Marston’sExcel programme– an initiative developed in conjunctionwith theMinistryofJustice,toproactively

supportprisonleavers back into work. TestamenttoMarston’s commitment is therecentlyopened‘Lock Inn’, whichhas been createdinsideHMP Liverpool. It’s aMarston’s dedicated trainingfacility that’s been converted to look andfeellikeone of theirpub kitchens.Itaimstotrain people with work-basedkitchen skillsand also offers ajob in aMarston’s puboncethey have completedthe course andhave been released from prison

er it’s carvingout time forteamtrainingorfostering andnurturing youth talent,our unique approach includes modularisedtrainingprogrammesfor upskilling andindustry-ledapprenticeshipstoensuresustained success in manufacturingand engineering.

RatedOfsted ‘outstanding’, we’re one of theUK’sleading providersof trainingand business services at our world-class facilities in Aldridge and Telford.

Whether

Training in foodatMarston’s

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•Free training with career progression

•Supporttowards further qualifications

sandwell@bridgewaterhomecare.co.uk |www.bridgewaterhomecare.co.uk/sandwell

PROGRAMME SPONSOR

Workforcetraining delivering success

As oneofthe Midlands’ leadingemployers, voestalpineMetsecisproud to be sponsoring theExpress& Star’s Ladder for theBlack Country Awards Programme.

BasedinOldbury,weare theUK’s largestspecialiststeelcoldroll-formingcompany.Weprovide engineered solutionsfor awiderange of construction andmanufacturing applications, with high quality, addedvalue,technicalexpertise,customerservice and integrityatour core

At theheart of everything we do is thedesiretodothingsright forour customers, workforce, community, environment, business andshareholders. This is achieved through rigorous investmentand resourcing across all areasofour operations, engagement with leadingindustryorganisations, adoption of industry-leading standards andinitiatives, stafftraining, product andservice innovationand ourdrive towardsenvironmental responsibility

Thesuccess of ourcompany relies on thestrengthofour workforce in allareasofour operations.Inthe past year, employee numbershavebeenexpanded from 375to398

Ourpassion forrecruitment,trainingand personaldevelopmentisev-

identthroughoutour organisation, from ouraward-winningapprenticeship scheme to theassistanceprovided forfurther education, career advancement andthe creation of innovative rolestomeetthe ever-changingdemandsofthe modern economy.

In fact,voestalpineMetsecremains oneofthe fewengineering companies to runour ownin-houseapprenticeship scheme in collaboration with Incomm training. Theschemehas been recognisedbymultiple awards Formoreinformation on joiningthe team at Metsec, visitwww.metsec.com

Care company BridgewaterHomeCareSandwell, whichprovideshighquality care at home forvulnerable people, is expanding itsservicesfollowing high demand in thearea.

Bridgewater Home Care Sandwell, part of thelargerBridgewater Home Care network, provides relationship-focusedcarein thecommunity andspecialise in ensuring that their clientscan remain in theirown homes foraslongaspossible. Whilst doing this they promise to deliver thehighestlevel of care,alwaysstrivingtogo above andbeyondexpectations. Duetothe successofthe company nationally andthe ever-increasing demand forits services,Bridgewater Home Care is lookingtoexpandthe care teaminSandwell by at least50 people within thenextfew months Managing director of Bridgewater Home Care Sandwell,Christopher Taylor,aveteran of 18 years’ service before beingmedically discharged, added: “I’m extremelypleased that thecompany hasgrown so rapidly and hassuchademandfor theserviceswe provide. We arelooking forpeoplewith empathyand nurturingcapabilities whose roleswill ensure that we provide thehighestquality care to vulnerable people in ourcommunity.”

Kane Taylor,fellowdirectorand son of Christopher, continued: “Weare lookingforward to talkingtokind, compassionateand like-minded individualsofall ages andfromall walks of life. Training is provided so professional caring experience is not essential,solongasindividuals have areal passionfor helpingothersand caring forpeople.”For moreinformation call theSandwell office:01384 590020 or visit: www.bridgewaterhomecare co.uk/Sandwell

Apprentices getinvolved in all areas of the business including IT,tool making, structural design, sales, maintenance, pro�ect engineering, pro�le manipulation, customroll forming, quality and so much more.

Former apprentices –now staff