Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2022

THE

TODAYTHE EXPRESS& STAR IN CONJUNCTION WITH LADDER FORTHE BLACKCOUNTRYAND CITYOFWOLVERHAMPTONCOUNCIL ARE PROUDTOANNOUNCETHE OFFICIALLAUNCH OF THEINAUGURAL LADDERFOR THEBLACK COUNTRYAPPRENTICESHIP AWARDS2022.

These awardsare designed to showcasethe best apprenticesand theiremployers across theBlackCountry.

This supplementhighlights theawardscategoriesand criteria,theirsponsorsand howyou canenter either an individual apprentice or your owncompany.

Once entrieshaveclosed andthe judginghas takenplace thecompetition will culminateina presentationevening at Wolverhampton’s elegant Grand Station.

We look forwardtoreceiving your entries.

SPONSORS

Apprentices bring fresh ideas and thoughts, embrace technology and areanintegral part of our business bothnow and in thefuture.

Progressionrates from our Buildingfutures 24 week constructionpathway course arefantastic

Attracting new intake to train in vitalskills

Phoenixconsortia operate agroup of specialist companies within thecommercial,industrial, retail and educationalsectors within theUKrefurbishment market.

With over 50 yearsofexperiencein theindustryand an excellentreputation,Phoenix Consortia prides itself on itsprofessional, superior quality of service, high standard of workmanship andour ability to always working veryclosely with allour clients.

PhoenixConsortia is knownfor its expertise,in-depthknowledge andfor an extremely high standard of work.

IncorporatingSPV Special Projects Ltd, HowardEvans Roofing Ltd, Ivor ParnhamBuildingServicesLtd and SPV Energy Management Systems

PhoenixConsortia offers amultitude of disciplines andservicestoprovide thecomplete building package

Phoenixconsortia has acombined workforce of over150 operatives,all trained andexperienced in theinstallation of awiderange of systemsand products

SPVSpecialprojectsLtd is afamily business basedinWalsall that specialises in refurbishing roofing andcladding in theindustrialand commercial sectors. It employsover 100staff –10

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR: ENGINEERING&MANUFACTURING

Passionate support forapprenticeships

As oneofthe region’s leadingemployers,Oldbury-based cold-roll-formingcompany voestalpine Metsec is proud to be sponsoring theEngineering andManufacturing category at theLadderfor the BlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards.

voestalpineMetsecisthe UK’s biggestconstructionspecialist cold roll-forming companyand part of the largestglobally-leadingsteeland technology group, providingproductsfor theconstructionand manufacturing industries acrossthe world.

Thecompany remainspassionate about therecruitmentand developmentofyoung talent

Youngpeoplewho arefortunate enough to gain places on voestalpine Metsec’s apprenticeship scheme can look forwardtoa high-quality,structuredtrainingprogramme whichcombinesacademicstudies with practical skillsand varied workexperience, ultimately leadingtorecognisednational qualifications.

Environmentalsafetyand training managerSteve Gilessaid: “The aimis to equipyoung people fora career with thecompany anditisnot limited to en-

gineering; apprenticeshavegoneonto workinIT, design,project engineering andsales

“Wealso workhardatretaining the talent we have nurtured andhelping employees to developthroughouttheir careerswithus.”

“Sponsoring theBlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards underlines our commitmenttothe development of localtalent,”headded.

of them apprentices. As roofing contractors, SPVare well awareofthe currentskillsshortageinthe difficulties in attractingnew entrantstoour industry SPVhas partneredwithJuniper Training to offerafreebespoke offer that will equipyoung people aged 1618 with everything they need to be construction site readytoprogress into employmentoranapprenticeship.

WE HAVE BEEN RECRUITING APPRENTICES FOROVER20YEARS

Apprentices getinvolvedinall areas of thebusiness includingIT, tool making,structuraldesign,sales,maintenance, projectengineering, profile manipulation,customrollforming, quality andsomuchmore.

voestalpine Metsec plc www.metsec.com

WITH 10% OF OURWORKFORCE MADEUPOFAPPRENTICES, SPVARE COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING AND UPSKILLING THE FUTURE GENERATION.

SPV’s current team of apprentices

Apprentices get high-quality training

New awardswill showcase positivesofapprenticeships

Spotlightison BlackCountry apprentices

Thebrand newLadderfor the BlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards 2022 will putthe best apprentices, employersand trainingproviders in theregion firmly in thespotlight

Itisbeing organisedbythe Express&Starinconjunction with theLadderfor theBlack Countryand City of WolverhamptonCouncil

TheGrand StationinWolverhamptoncitycentre will host the firstawardsnightin itsGrand Hall on November3 when thewinnersofthe 11 categories will be announced.

Theawardsare open to apprenticesand organisations basedinthe Express&Starcirculation area in Wolverhampton, theBlack Country and Staffordshire.

Theclosing date forentries forthe apprenticeship awards is September 11

Find outhow to enteronpages 28 and29.

In September2012, the MayorofLondonatthe time,Boris Johnson, launched theLadder forLondon, supported by Buckingham Palace, theEvening Standard andLondon’sProvider Network, with theaim of tackling youthunemployment throughapprenticeships.

Thetargetof500 apprenticeship pledgesfromemployers by December2012was exceeded,and the Ladderfor London progressed to thenextphase of itscampaign, encouragingemployers andschools to utilise theapprenticeshipbrand

In early2014, aftera meeting with Buckingham Palace, Kevin

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Davis, chiefexecutive of theVine TrustGroup andRob Colbourne, managing director of Walsall-based PTPTraining, committed to translate the‘Ladderfor’initiativetothe

BlackCountry

Campaign

In March 2014,Kevin ledaBlack CountrydelegationtoBuckingham Palace,which included theBlack CountryChamber of Commerce, WalsallCouncil(representingthe four BlackCountry authorities) PTPTraining(representingproviders)and akey partner, theExpress andStarnewspaper,who had agreed to collaborate in forming a15-month‘Ladder forthe Black Country’ campaign with the aimof

creating 1,000 jobs throughthe apprenticeship brand.

Aftersignificant successes and recruiting in excess of 1,000 apprentices, theLadderFoundation then rolled outfresh Ladder campaigns in Shropshire, Staffordshire, GreaterBirmingham andin 2021 forCoventryand Warwickshire.

Akey themefor anyLadder project is to engage with appropriate stakeholders andtochampionthe apprenticeship brandthathas such an impact on employers, communities andofcourseindividuals

Taking apprenticestoBuckinghamPalace, St JamesPalaceand theHousesofParliamenthavebeen some of thehighlightofthe campaignss, butthe lifechangingjobs andLadderlegaciessuchasthe Department forEducation Ladder School,ApprenticeshipSkillsHUB

andAnnualApprenticeshipAwards arethe real successes.

With theBlack CountryLadder beingthe launch of theLadder initiativesinthe West Midlands and beyond,itseems only rightthat this region hasanapprenticeship awards celebrationtoshowcaseall thepositivesofapprenticeships in theBlack Country.

We were delightedwhenthe Express&Startookupthe challenge to make this happen.

With full backingfromindividualssuchasAndyStreet,the West Midlands Mayor, ourpatronMP Robert Halfon whoisthe chairman of theEducation Select Committee andofcourse Martin Wright, EditorinChief of MidlandNewsAssociation,wewill continue to utilise theLadder brandtoshowcaseapprenticeshipsinthe BlackCountry andsurrounding areas.

Alegacyfromthe Ladder forthe Black Country

KevinDavis, thechairmanofthe LadderApprenticeshipFoundation,explainsthe importanceof theLadderfor theBlack Country Apprenticeship Awards 2022: My earlycongratulationtoall thenomineesand eventual winners!

As chairman of theLadderApprenticeship Foundation,I am so pleasedthe Ladderawardsare coming to theBlack Country, in thefantastic venueofWolverhamptonGrand Station.

In 2014,wetranslatedthe Ladderfor London newspaper campaigntothe Black Country, and subsequently Shropshire,Staffordshire, andBirmingham,facilitatingthe creation of thousands of newapprenticeships through ourpartnershipswithnewsgroups likethe MidlandNewsAssociation

With theLadderfor Coventry andWarwickshirelaunchedlast year,wehavegreat ambitions, to

addressthe skills, andjobschallenges of ourtime.

With thehelpofour patrons, we will spanacrossthe country with aview, throughour Ladder forEngland Campaign,togoon to newCombinedAuthority/Metro mayoralty areas, leavingwehope, alasting legacy

In theBlack Country, we are grateful to thetrainingprovider networks,the BlackCountry Local Enterprise Partnership, WolverhamptonCityCouncil, andnoless theMNA andits Express& Star title, becausethe Ladder legacy only works becauseofthiscollaboration –our biggestand extensiveinitiative yet.

Iamsopleased that theBlack CountryApprenticeshipAwards, likeits otherMidland’s counterparts, will be oneofthose legacies, alongside theopening of Walsall’s newLadderSchoolbuilding, a multi-million poundalternative

provisionthatwill be supporting some of themostdisadvantaged students, that need atailored approach to both teachingand learning.

TheLadderApprenticeship Foundation is, throughthisseason, championingthe ‘Ladderof Opportunity’ –the mobility of learners through, educationand work.

We believea diversity of apprenticeshipsare akey factor towardsa more mobile,and just society.

This is more so thecasegiven thecoronavirus pandemic’s disproportionateimpactonsome of thosecommunities,and we have to addressthatmisbalance, andthe challengeofmatchingvacancies to thepotential apprenticesinthe area.

These awards will magnifythe best of thosechampioning thiseffort andItrust,beaveryenjoyable nightfor all.

We detail allthe categories andthe businesses andorganisations that aresponsoring them in this supplement.

Afresh supplement will be featured in thenewspaper just before the awards that will detail allofthe finalistswho will each receivetwo complimentary ticketstothe awards

Ladderis helped by newspaper withcampaign

TheExpress &Starisgivingits continuing backingtothe Ladder forthe BlackCountry campaign with weekly coverageinthe newspaper.

Each Thursday thereisa page featuringthe latest news from the campaign

It coversbusinesses that are creating apprenticeships, newinitiatives to supportapprentices and thesuccess storiesofmanyofthe apprenticesthatare showingsuch greatpromise acrossthe region

Youcan find outall about Ladder forthe BlackCountry campaign from itswebsite –ladderforblackcountry.co.uk

Thenew apprenticeship awards will help thecampaignontoanother level.

MidlandNewsAssociation head of advertisingKim Hazel said:“The Express&Starwanted to give our full supporttothe importanteffortstoincreasethe number of apprenticeshipsinthe BlackCountry throughthese awards

“Unemploymentrates among young people arecurrently high andthe campaign is helpingaddressthat, butitisalso encouragingapprentices acrosseveryage groupaswell.

“The Ladder is agreat community projectthatisplaying avital part in helpingtocreatethe skilled workforce that is so importantly needed in theBlack Countryinthe 21st Century.”

Foundation chairman KevinDavis

Ladderteam:Chris Leggitt, KevinDavis,Rob Colbourne andGillDurkin

KevinDavis,left, and Rob Colbourne lead theLadder for theBlack Country

BCTG delivers skills to build better people

BCTG Groupaimsto

‘Build Better People’–by giving individualsfromall backgroundsthe chance to develop newskillsand knowledge so they can progress andprosper.

Acrossthe groupweworkwith2,300 employersofferingover 160different traineeship, apprenticeship andvocational courses foryoung people and adults

Eachyear, we supportalmost10,000 individualsinareas likeaccounting andbusiness,construction, engineering, logistics, warehousing,early years andadult health care

Everybusinessreliesonthe skills of itsstaff to remain competitive,and companiesfacethe challengeof findingwaysofimproving performance with less resource

So having the rightstaff,withthe rightskillsiscrucial to achievingthis.

Ourhealth, educationand care programmes, supportindividuals andemployersthat– over thelasttwo years –havebeencrucialinhelping and caring forthe most vulnerable in our society

So we believethatitisimportant that we recognise andcelebrate thecontributionmadebyeveryone in thesector.

Healthcare,likemanysectors, faces

Higgs gives backing to ‘exciting’ awards

Leadingregionallaw firm

HiggsLLP is proudtobe sponsoring theApprentice of theYear: Professional Services category for theLadderfor theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards 2022.

The firm,based in Brierley Hill,isa long-standingsupporter of theExpress &StarBusiness Awards so waskeen to be involvedand to champion theregion’s best-performingapprentices

Nick Taylor,managingpartner at Higgs, said:“We’redelighted to be a sponsorinthese exciting newawards whichwill shinea lightonsome of the BlackCountry’s most impressive apprentices.

“The Express &StarBusiness Awards have always been afantasticoccasionand onewe’re proudto be involvedin. Throwing oursupport behind theapprenticeshipawardsisa naturalextension of that

“Asa firm,wesee apprenticeships as an importantway forustonurture talent andensureweplayour part as alocal employerand have theskillsto keep maintaininggrowthand continue to provide thebestlegal services in theregion.

“Welookforward to thejudging process,the awards eveninginNovember,

andhearing aboutthe many achievementsofthe apprenticesinvolved.”

Higgs, whichhas 150yearsofheritage, currentlyhas eightapprentices studying forvarious legalqualificationswhilelearningonthe jobwith highly-experienced colleagues

They areworking in awiderange of teams, including finance, private client,personalinjuryand Courtof Protection

arealchallenge inrecruiting andretaininghighquality staff.

As ajob,isisoftenchallenging but always highly rewarding. So anyone choosing thisasa career needsthe skillsand knowledge to match.

Ourapprenticeshipprogrammesofferopportunities forthose lookingto starttheir career at Level2,toexistinghealthcareprofessionals andmanagersneeding to improve theirskillsto Level5

BCTGGroup’s chairman Chris Luty

Chantel Horton is aHiggs’ apprentice

Free workshops help young find jobs

City of WolverhamptonCouncil’s ‘WolvesAt Work 18-24’employment initiative is helpingunemployed youngpeople to be jobready through aseriesoffreetwo-hour workshops.

Thecouncil’s employment information workshops arefor anyone whoislooking to find outwhatitis liketoworkatthe council,but with afocus on thoseaged 18-24 who areinterested in thejob opportunities availableand thesupport on hand when applying fora role at the council

Theworkshops areespecially aimedatpeopleapplyingfor an apprenticeship or arolewhere the annual salary is £18,333 to £27,514 (Grades2-5).

Thetwo-hourworkshops at the CivicCentre,StPeter’s Square,include:

l Atourofthe councilbuilding (see what it’s like inside)

l Tips on applying forvacancies within thecouncil

l An opportunity to hear from recruiting managers andwhatit is they arelooking for

l Thechancetospeaktoand hear from otheryoung people/ adults workingatthe council

l Informationonthe opportunities availabletoemployees

l Access to furthersupport throughthe BlackCountry Impact andWolvesAtWorkteams

Sessions aremonthly,withthe next EmploymentInformation Workshopstaking placeonWednesday13Julyand Wednesday10August,bothat11amto1pm

To book aplace on either of the above sessions, e-mail theorgan-

isationaldevelopment team at od.team@wolverhampton.gov.uk statingyournameand preferred workshopdate.

Cabinet member foreducation, skillsand work, Councillor Chris Burden,said: “These free workshopsare just oneexampleofhow theCouncilisleading theway in supporting unemployed youngpeopleinWolverhampton to getjobreadyand providethemwiththe

chance to secure well-paidjobswith abrightfuture. Oneofour keyprioritiesistoreduceunemployment among18to24-year-oldsinour city andthiscan only be achieved by working closely with city partners andemployers to better connect young people to jobs,trainingand learningopportunities.”

Thereare avastarray of apprenticeship vacancies availableevery week acrossthe city,and City of

WolverhamptonCounciland partners arehelping recruittothese positions.

Apprenticeshipsstart from Level 2(GCSEequivalent) andrun allthe waythrough to post-graduate level.

They provide real opportunities forpeopleofall ages whoare motivatedtowork, enthusiastictolearn, andwanttoearna competitivesalarywhilegaining anationallyrecognisedqualification.

They offerauniqueopportunity to develop yourskillsinanareayou arepassionateabout,enhance your confidence, learnfromleading professionals andreach yourpotential Leadingindustriesand businesses arelooking forthe next setofdynamicapprentices to shapethe future of theirorganisations in the City of Wolverhampton.

Foremployers, apprenticescan offertremendousvalue to organisations, andtrainingcosts could be co-fundedbythe government. ThesuccessfulWolvesatWorkprogramme,thathas helped morethan 6,900 people into workinthe City of Wolverhamptonalso offers support to employersinrecruiting apprentices.

Businesses that wish to discuss thesupport availableor thecontribution they canmaketoWolvesAt Work areurged to contactrecruitment@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Shaun Aldis, of Wolverhampton Homes,left, andcouncilleaderCouncillorIan Brookfield, right, withapprentices Jaedyn Henry-Mapp, Wolverhampton Counciland TiaJohns andSam Gregg, both Wolverhampton Homes

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

Wearedelightedto announcethelaunchof theLadderfortheBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards.

Thisbrandnewinitiativefor2022is backedbytheExpress&Starandrun inpartnershipwithLadderforthe BlackCountryandWolverhampton CityCouncilasheadlinesponsor

With11categoryawards,thiswillbea celebrationofthebestandbrightest youngandmaturelearnersandthose organisationswhoarefindingnew waystodriveaspirationandeducation throughtheirapprenticeship programmes

OurApprenticeshipAwardsareopen toanyapprenticeororganisation thatisbasedlocallyinandaround Wolverhampton,theBlackCountry andStaffordshireregion,reflectingthe Express&Starcirculationarea.Simply selectthecategoryyouwishtoenter, fillintheentryformandfollowthe criteriarequiredforeachcategory.

Thereareelevencategoriesyoucan choosefrom,andit’seasytotake part.Visitapprenticeshipawards. expressandstar.comtochooseyour categoriesandsubmitanentryfor eachcategoryyouhavechosenbefore 5pmontheclosingdate–Sunday, September112022.

Whencompletingtheform,tryand ensureitcontainsalltherelevant pointsandsomeoftheindividual’s/ company’spersonalitytoo(remember thatthejudgeswillreadahuge amountofinformation,soitwillhelp ifitreallystandsout).Youhavea maximumof1,100wordstoexplain whyyouorthebusinessshouldbe selected.

WHATHAPPENSNEXT?

AftertheclosingdateonSunday, September112022,representatives ofthecategorysponsorswillread throughallthenomineeswhohave enteredandchoseashortlistofthree finalistforeachcategory.

Thefinalistsineachcategorywillbe informedw/cMonday,September19 thattheyhavemadetheshortlist.

Allfinalistswillbeinvitedtothe ApprenticeshipAwardsEvening 2022hostedintheGrandHall,Grand

Station,Wolverhamptononthe eveningofThursday,November3 2022,wherethewinnersofeach categorywillbeannounced.

TheExpress&Star‘OverallApprentice oftheYear2022’willbechosenfrom categories1-6byrepresentativesof ourheadlinesponsorWolverhampton CityCouncilandwillalsoberevealed ontheeveningofNovember32022. JustbeforetheeventtheExpress& Starwillcarryaspecialsupplement in-paperfeaturingallofthefinalists. Ifyouarefinalist,youwillreceive twocomplimentaryticketstothe awardseveningwiththeoptionto buyextraplaces Thewinnerswillbe revealedatGrandHall,GrandStation, WolverhamptononThursday, November3,2022.

PLEASENOTE

Contactdetailsofallapprentices/ businessesthatsubmitentrieswill bemadeavailabletoallcategory sponsorsofthecampaignwhomay getintouch.

Informationwillbetreatedinthe strictestofconfidenceandwillbe sharedonlywiththejudgeswho includecategorysponsors. Sponsorsandtheirbusinessmembers canentertheirowncategorybut willrelinquishtheirresponsibilityof judgingthecategory.

Apprentices/Businessesmustbe preparedtotakepartinanyrelevant publicity.

AWARDSPROJECTTEAM

Shouldyouhaveanyquestions,please giveusacallon01902442277

DATESFORYOURDIARY

SUNDAY,SEPTEMBER1120225PM

Closingdateforentries

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RETAIL,LEISU

W/CMONDAY, Finalistsnotified havebeen

W/CMONDAY,SEPTEMBER192022 Finalistsnotifiedtheyhavebee shortlisted.

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER3202

AwardseveningatGrandHall, GrandStation,Wolverhampton

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER32022 GrandStation,Wolverhampton.

#BCAA22

CATEGORYSPONSORS

AWARDSCRITERIA

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR CATEGORY CRITERIA (1-6)

To enterthe Apprentice of theYear categoriesapprentices must be currently on aprogrammethat startedbefore01/03/2022and finishesonorafter 11/11/2022

Your entrymustbealigned to the sector that youworkin. Judges will be lookingfor apprenticeswho can demonstrate theirachievements, contributionand theimpactthey have made within theindustrythey work:

• Thinkofyourteam, howthey operateand your personal contributiontoteamobjectives.

• Outlinethe skillsyou have developed sinceyou beganyour apprenticeship.

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

• Howdoes your apprenticeship help your employer meet organisational objectives?

• Includeyourpersonalaspirations andplannedcareerpath.

EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT CRITERIA (7)

This awardwill recogniseproactive organisationswho gothatextra miletoengagewiththe community around them to helpshape our future workforce

• In your nomination, please describe themethods your organisation uses to engage with thebusinesscommunity andthe level of thisengagement.

• Whyisengaging with business anddeveloping your pupils/students/customers’ employabilityand soft skills (e.g.communication,teamwork, resilience etc.)important for your organisation?How is this reflected andpromotedinyour leadership,management and governance?

• Describe howemployability andsoftskillsare practically incorporatedintolearningand/ or training. What is innovative aboutyourapproach?

• Listyourorganisation’srecent achievements in relation to developing soft skills and engagingwithbusiness. Describe anychallengesyou have overcometoachieve these results.

• Please describe whyyour organisation should winthe Educationand Engagement Award

EMPLOYER OF THEYEAR CATEGORY CRITERIA (8-10)

This awardrecognisesoutstanding commitmenttoapprentices andapprenticeshipswithinan organisation.The judges are lookingfor proactiveemployers whocan demonstratehow they have deliveredanapprenticeship programmethathas benefited theorganisationand that of your apprentices(s).Please explain your strategy that drivesyour apprenticeship programme. Evidence is requiredasto:

• Whydoyou believethe deliveryofyourapprenticeship programmeisexceptional?

• Examplesofhow youmakeyour apprenticeshipsaccessible to people from all backgrounds.

• Whatsetsyourorganisation above andbeyond other employers?

• Howhas your apprenticeship programmehelpedmeetyour organisationscurrent andfuture skill requirements?

TRAINING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR CRITERIA (11)

This awardwill recogniseexcellence in thedeliveryofapprenticeships. Applications areencouragedfrom alltypes of providers, irrespective of size.Judgeswillbelooking for providerstodemonstrate

• High Levels of engagement with employers and apprentices

• Sustainedcommitment to workingwithemployers in your sector, particularlyhow your provision adaptstomeet employerrequirements

• Evidence of highlevelsof learner retention, progression, andpositive outcomes

• How do youstand outfrom otherproviders?

HEADLINESPONSOR

Furniture repairer is still driving forward

HomeserveFurniture Repairs wasstarted in 2004 by localbusinessmanand entrepreneur JamesLane, andhas beenonanincredible journey over thelast 18 years– from oneman in avan to nowhaving over 250peoplewithin the Homeservefamily.

Homeserve FurnitureRepairs is proudtoannouncethe openingofour newheadoffice andtrainingacademy building at Waterfront Business Park

We arecurrently on afull national recruitmentcampaigntoexpandthe HomeserveFurniture Repairsteam andare nowthe largestfurniture repair companyinthe UK.

We arealso working with localcolleges to offerand encouragethe opportunityfor people whowill be fully trained to become a field-basedfurniture technician.Wecurrently visit over 7,000 customers aweek, repairingand restoringall types of furniture from sofas, cabinets, dining tables, beds andbedroom furnitureand workingwithmostofthe furnitureretailers andmanufacturers in theUK.

Over thelasttwo yearswehaveseen an increased desire to restoreorrepair furnitureratherthanjustreplacing. Also,withthe increasedgeneral de-

Marston’s develops apprentice talent

Thelaunchofthe Black CountryApprenticeship Awards,lands perfectly in timing with Marston’s continuing commitment to developingand growing itsapprenticeshiptalent poolacrossits nationwide estate of pubs.

Thecompany hasbeendeveloping young people throughapprenticeship formorethan10years andmanyformerapprentices have progressed their careerswithinthe companytobecome generalmanagersand assistantmanagersacrossits 1,500pub estate

Lastmonth Marston’sunveiledthe Apprenticeship Chef Academy– aprogramme whichtakes itsapprentices to specially selected,high-qualityvenues where they receiveanengagingand informative, practicalday ofskills training thatcan be transferredback to theirworkplace

Thecompany currentlyhas 280 apprentices, 260inpubsand 20 in our pub supportbusiness,the target numberfor 2022 istohave350 apprentices in learning and450 next year.Celebratingour apprenticesisreallyclose to ourheartsand anumberofcurrent andformerapprentices attended the HospitalityShowcase Eventatthe HouseofCommons earlierthisyear.

The‘Take 5’ programme_originally launched in 2019 –offersstudentsthe opportunitytospend five days learningabout allthe differentaspects of working in apub andexplorethe developmentavailable throughapprenticeships.

This is availabletoyear10and year 11 students in line with theschool workexperienceweeks.Thisyear10 placements have been arranged

mand in furniturebythe public over theperiodwehaveseenanincreasein demand forour repair andrestoration services.Adedicated focusoncustomer service, andensuringa smooth customerjourney is vitaltothe success of HomeserveFurniture Repairs. We wouldliketothank allour clients forloyal supportoverthe years andmostimportantly theHomeserve familyfor allyourextremely hard work.

Waterfront Business Park head office

An apprentice waitress at work

Proud to deliver on aerospace training

CollinsAerospace is proud to be sponsoring theEducationand Engagement category.

As alocal employer in thecityof Wolverhampton, we employover1,400 people in thecityand arecommitted to making apositive andlong-term impact to both STEM educationand apprenticeshipsinAerospace

Over thelastthree intakes, we have recruitedmorethan40apprentices at ourWolverhampton site.Theyare now excelling in theircareers in aerospace in arange of areas. From financeto engineering, we appreciatethe impact apprenticeshaveacrossthe business

In addition to this, CollinsAerospace hasawarded STEM Learning fundingtocreatea newpartnership over thenexttwo yearstosupport betweensix to eightprimary andsecondary schoolsinthe Wolverhampton area to make apositive andlong-term impact to STEM educationwhere it is most needed.The newpartnership will supportteacher professional developmentand raise engagement and achievementinSTEMsubjects, especiallythose from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups

OurSTEMeducation programmes areabout connecting students with ateacher to unlock potentialand inspiringyoung people about thepossi-

Attracting engineers from allwalks of life

Openreachisproud to supportthe Ladder forthe BlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards 2022 and looksforward to applaudingall this year’s worthy winners.

Openreachisthe UK’s digitalnetworkbusiness. We’re37,000people who connecthomes, mobile phone masts, schools, shops, banks, hospitals, libraries, broadcasters,governmentsand businesses –large and small–tothe world.

Andwebelieve in creating aworkforceasdiverse as thecommunities we serve. That’s whywe’re taking on 4,000 newtrainee engineersthisyear, includingmanyacrossthe BlackCountry–ontop of the3,500 traineeswho joined us lastyear.

We want to attract theaspiringengineersoftomorrow from allwalks of life, andare working hard to bring more womenand Black, Asianand minorityethnicpeople into ourworkforce.

We’realsoinvesting millionsof pounds in regional training centresto putpractical,real-life training at the heartofour business.Recruitscan experience atypical working dayina safe,interactive environment–learningeverything they’lldoonthe job

TheLadder forthe BlackCountry

Apprenticeship Awards areimportant because they recognise thevalue of apprenticeshipsand thepositiveimpact they bringtobusinesses of allsizes.

Apprenticesget to earn whilethey learnwhile employersgainnew talent, increasedproductivityand improved staffretention

If you’reabusiness with apprentices,pleasenominate yourrisingstars andencourage them to apply. We look forwardtoseeingyou on thenight!

bilities aheadofthem. Teachers play a majorpart in thechoices they make so it makessense to supportteachersto be thebestthattheycan be andENTHUSEPartnerships areaneffective waytoachieve this STEM Learning’s ENTHUSEPartnerships enable more young people, from allbackgrounds,toprogress in theirSTEMeducation,withmorestudents entering high-value STEM-related careersasa result

We’rethe people behind the UK’s digital network

We connecthomes and businesses,large and small,tothe wider world. We work everyday to get faster broadband speeds,broader coverage and better servicefor everyone.

openreach.com

Collinstakes on apprenticesinthe city

Openreachapprenticesinapole yard

Unlocking potential in Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Homes is responsiblefor managing morethan21,000 homesacrossthe city of Wolverhampton, on behalf of thecouncil.

As oneofthe largestemployers in thecity, with more than 650colleagues, it is committed to nurturing localtalentand helping people to get on in lifethrough developingthe next generation of housingand tradeprofessionals

This year,the companyhas pledged to support41young people into work through itsapprenticeshipand work experience programmes

An apprenticeship programmetypicallytakes betweentwo andfouryears to complete andisthe perfectway for young people to buildcoreskillswhich help them to achievetheir full potential,whileearning in afull-time job

Thecompany hasrecently launched severalmanagementtrainee opportunities,givingGCSE, BTEC or ALevel students theopportunitytogainexperience whilecompletingadegreeor professional charteredmembership

ShaunAldis, chiefexecutive of WolverhamptonHomessaid: “Weaim to have aworkforce that representsthe communitiesweserve,where we want everyone to feel valued with asense of belonging.

“Our latest cohortofapprentices are allfromthe Wolverhamptonareaand aged between17and 24, playinganimportantpartinaddressinghighlevels

Worldwide experts in engineering steels

Aartee Bright Baristhe number oneindependent bright/cold finished bar producer in theUK.

It specialises in themanufacture of high qualityproducts in acomprehensive rangeofsizes in engineering steels

As amajor European brightbar produceritmanufactured auniquerange of products includingrounds, hexagons, squaresand flats.

Itshallmarkis flexibility, with the aimofbeing able to ensure that customers getthe products they need when they need them.Itworkd to shortleadtimes anddeliver on ajust in time basis.

Morethan50per cent of ouroutput is exported,mainlytothe European Unionand USA.

Thecompany considersits employeesits most valuable asset.

In ordertoensurethattheir team feel valued,the companybelieve that successionplanningiskey to retaining greatstaff

As part of this, Aartee Bright Bar have looked to theapprenticeshipprogramme to ensure that they continue to bringnew ideastothe business

Oncecomprisingoffourproduction sitesinthe UK, over theyears, as part of thecompany’s policy to improve effi-

Building thefuture

ciency anddrive down costs, they have concentratedthe business onto one highly productive site,covering the full rangeofproducts.

Aartee Bright Barhas aproud history originatingfrombusinesses establishedindependently in thelate 19th andearly 20thcenturies.The hot rolling activity canbetraced back to George Gadd in Tipton in 1865.

Wearepassionateabout

of youthunemployment within thecity so we areproud to supportthe 2022 Apprenticeship Awards

“Our next roundofapprenticevacancieswill be released soon–theyare afantastic opportunityand I’dencourageall to seeifanapprenticeshipcould be rightfor you.”

To find outmoreabout theopportunities availablewithWolverhampton Homes, visitwww.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/careers

Aartee BrightBar values apprentices

SPONSORED BY

WPD in full support of the new awards

WesternPower Distribution is theelectricity distribution networkoperator forthe Midlands, SouthWestEngland and SouthWales,responsible forthe powerlines,poles, transformers andsubstationsthatdeliverelectricity to customers’homes.

We arethe largestDNO by geographyinthe UK andemployaround 6,500staff andhaveanannualintake of around 100apprentices Training anddevelopment is acritical part of oursuccessionplanning programmes andwecurrently have almost 200level 3apprentices studyingthe PowerNetworkCraftsperson Standard as well as anumberoflevel 4apprentices studying theElectrical PowerNetworkEngineerStandard.

Ourtrainingfacilities have areputation forexcellenceand aresome of thebiggestand best-equippedinthe country. We have five bespoketraining facilities located in Tipton,Taunton, Stoke, Cymbran, andWorcester and offerlevel 3and 4standards-based apprenticeshipsaswellasexternal training.

As amajor employer across theBlack Country, we believewehavearesponsibility to play afull andactiverolein

Aperfectvenue for hosting city’s events

GrandStation –anevent venueinWolverhampton city centre –isproud to be supporting theLadderfor theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards 2022.

Originallyopening in 1854, Grand Stationisa GradeIIlistedbuilding

It wasoriginallyWolverhampton’s lowlevel railwaystation that welcomed travellersfromall over thecountry

Afterbeing derelict for30years,the building wasthentransformed in 2013 into an irresistiblyopulentvenue and opened itsdoors to shareits forgotten beauty

Theastonishing crafted ceiling alongsidethe gracefully sculpted arched windowsleave ourguestsin aweand form theperfect backdrop to anyevent

Experienced

TheGrand Station’sprime city centre location coupledwithits experienced staffhas ensuredits artistry within this magnificent sector GrandStation in Sun Streetnow playshosttomorethan300 immaculateand versatile events each and everyyear.

Itsmultifunctional space cantransport you from acorporate eventfor just asmall number to a fiesta for1,000 guests

Ourdedicated events team, together with ourexceptional selectionofcaterers, will ensure thatany eventismade to look effortless GrandStation is honoured to support getting young people back into work.

We hope to seethe best of these individualsfeaturedatthe Ladderfor theBlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards,which is beingstaged on November3 here at GrandStation

thecommunities we serve. That is why we supportinitiativeslikethe Black CountryApprenticeshipAwards.

We believethe awards areimportant as they provideagreat opportunityto recognise,encourage andreward local businesses/membersofthe community who have madea difference through providingapprenticeshipopportunities andtraininginitiatives.

We wouldliketocongratulateall of thenomineesand wish them good luck

WPDtakes on 100apprenticesayear

InsideWolverhampton’s GrandStation

Come

Letussupportyou onto

Forfurther information, please get in touch with our Search and Selectteam on 03332 408302 or email info@ptp-training.co.uk

DRINKSRECEPTION

Biggest independent steelprofilers in UK

MalthouseEngineering wasset up in 1947 andhas sustainedgrowthtothe present.

Duetothe excellentmanagement, theTividalecompany hasbeenresilient in thefaceofuncertainty –Covid-19being themostrecent. Theexpansioninvolvedexcitingprojectsof breadth, basedoninternalgrowthand thepurchaseofother businesses.

Thefollowingbusinesses arenow part of theMalthouse Group: Rapid, Keiton,Empyrium, Lynrose andMidland SteelProfiles.

Currently, Malthouseoffersanextensive rangeofproductsand services includingfabrications, flamecutting, grinding,heatpress,furnacing and more.Malthouse offersteelprofiles from 6mmto500mm in thickness, with thecapability of providinggrindingservicesofupto126mm in diameter.Thishas allowed Malthouse to provideits competencies to over 40 Britishindustries, expandingrecently to supporteco-friendlyindustry.

Thecompany employs 80 staff, who work flexibly to achievethe standard Malthouse hasset forits customers

Malthouse hasnow acquired the building andlandnextdoor, to ensure itsgreen growth strategy will be realised. Followingthe recent investmentinrainwater harvesting,the newextension will incorporatesolar

OBE fortraining boss behind Ladderteam

RobColbourne,managingdirectorofleading Midlands trainingprovider PerformanceThrough People,was awardedan OBEinthe Queen’sBirthdayHonours.

Mr Colbournehas headed PTP Training,part of theBCTG Group, for nearly 18 years, andwas behind the launch of TheLadder campaign that hascreated more than 4,000 apprenticeshipsacrossthe region since2018.

He hasreceivedthe honour in recognition of hisservicestothe training andapprenticeshipsector.

Mr Colbourne, aged 52,who is married with threechildren andlives in Walsall,said: “I wasgenuinely surprisedbut veryhonoured when Ireceived alettertelling me Iwas to receive an OBE. Ihavenever sought such an award, butamneverthelessvery proud, especially because of theemotive response from my parents.

“But most of all, Iwas veryproud of allmycolleaguesatPTP whohave workedsohardover theyears to enhancethe provisionoftrainingand apprenticeshipsacrossthe Midlands regions.

“I maybepicking up theaward, but this OBEreallyisa reflection of teamworkbothhereatPTP andacrossthe widerBCTG Group.”

Before hisroleatWalsall-based PTP, Mr Colbournewas thetraining manageratWalsall Chambers of Commercefor 13 yearsand wasalso previouslythe trainingmanager forthe Debenhamsgroup

Over many years, Mr Colbourne haschaired anumberofboardssuch as theAssociation of Employmentand Learning Providersinthe West Midlandsand theStaffordshireProvider Network.

MalthouseEngineering in Tividale

panels forelectricuse,buildingonthe insights derivedfromInnovateUK funding. This will permit investment in plasma-cutting.

Chiefexecutive RoyTaylor,who took over in 1984,said: “Thisis, withoutdoubt,the most exciting phaseof growth in Malthouse’s history. We look forwardtocontinuingtosupplyour customers with steelproducts, manufactured in themostsustainable way possible.”

Rob Colbourne headsPTP Training