Ladder for the Black Country 2022

TODAYTHE EXPRESS&STARINCONJUNCTION WITH LADDER FORTHE BLACKCOUNTRYAND CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL ARE PROUDTO ANNOUNCETHE OFFICIALLAUNCH OF THEINAUGURAL LADDER FORTHE BLACK COUNTRYAPPRENTICESHIP AWARDS2022.

These awardsare designed to showcase thebest apprenticesand theiremployers across theBlackCountry.

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

Once entrieshaveclosedand thejudginghas takenplace thecompetition will culminate in apresentationevening at Wolverhampton’s elegant GrandStation.

We look forwardtoreceiving your entries.

SPONSORS

LADDERFOR THEBLACK COUNTRY

Apprentices bringfresh ideasand thoughts, embrace technology andare an integral partofour businessbothnow and inthe future.

Progression rates from our Building futures24week constructionpathway course arefantastic

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 biggest construction specialistcold roll-forming companyand part of the largestglobally-leadingsteeland technology group, providingproductsfor theconstructionand manufacturing industries across theworld

Thecompany remainspassionate about therecruitment anddevelopment of young talent

Youngpeoplewho arefortunate enough to gain places on voestalpine Metsec’sapprenticeshipschemecan look forwardtoahigh-quality, structuredtrainingprogramme whichcombinesacademicstudies with practical skillsand varied workexperience, ultimately leadingtorecognisednational qualifications.

Environmentalsafetyand training managerSteve Gilessaid: “The aimis to equipyoung people foracareerwith thecompany anditisnot limitedtoen-

Attracting newintake to traininvital skills

Phoenixconsortia operate agroup of specialistcompanies 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 very closely 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 ParnhamBuilding Services Ltdand SPVEnergyManagementSystems

PhoenixConsortia offers amultitude of disciplines andservicestoprovide thecompletebuildingpackage

Phoenixconsortia hasa combined workforce of over 150operatives, all trained andexperiencedinthe installation of awiderange of systemsand products

SPVSpecial projects Ltdisafamily business basedinWalsall that specialises in refurbishing roofing andcladding in theindustrialand commercial sectors. It employsover100 staff– 10

of them apprentices. As roofing contractors, SPVare well awareofthe currentskillsshortage inthe difficulties in attracting newentrantstoour industry SPVhas partneredwithJuniper Training to offera free bespokeoffer that will equipyoung people aged 1618 with everything they need to be construction site readytoprogress intoemploymentoranapprenticeship.

WE HAVE BEEN RECRUITING APPRENTICES FOROVER20YEARS

gineering; apprenticeshavegoneonto workinIT, design,project engineering andsales

“Wealso workhardatretaining the talent we have nurtured andhelping employeestodevelop throughout their careerswithus.”

“Sponsoring theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards underlines our commitment to thedevelopment of localtalent,”headded.

Apprentices getinvolved in all areas of thebusinessincludingIT, tool making,structuraldesign,sales,maintenance, projectengineering, profile manipulation, custom roll forming, quality andsomuchmore.

voestalpine

WITH 10% OF OUR WORKFORCE MADE UP OF APPRENTICES, SPV ARE COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING AND UPSKILLING THE FUTURE GENERATION.

SPV’s currentteam of apprentices

Apprenticesget high-quality training

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR: ENGINEERING& MANUFACTURING SPONSOREDBY

Newawardswill showcase positivesofapprenticeships

Spotlightison BlackCountry apprentices

Thebrand newLadderfor the BlackCountry Apprenticeship

Awards 2022 will putthe best apprentices, employersand trainingproviders in theregion firmly in thespotlight

It is beingorganisedbythe Express&Starinconjunction with theLadderfor theBlack Countryand City of WolverhamptonCouncil

TheGrand Stationin Wolverhampton city centre 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 Countryand 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 pledges from employersbyDecember2012was exceeded,and the Ladderfor London progressed to thenextphase of itscampaign, encouragingemployers andschools to utilise theapprenticeshipbrand

In early2014, afterameeting 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 March2014, Kevinled aBlack CountrydelegationtoBuckingham Palace,which included theBlack CountryChamber of Commerce, WalsallCouncil(representingthe four BlackCountry authorities) PTPTraining(representingproviders)and akey partner, theExpressand Star newspaper,who had agreed to collaborate in forming a15-month ‘Ladderfor theBlack Country’ campaign with theaim of

creating 1,000jobsthrough theapprenticeship brand.

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

Akey themefor anyLadderproject 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 theLadderinitiativesinthe West Midlands and beyond,itseems only rightthat this region hasan apprenticeship awards celebrationtoshowcase all thepositivesofapprenticeships in theBlack Country.

We were delightedwhenthe Express&Startookupthe challenge to make this happen

With full backingfromindividualssuchasAndyStreet, theWest Midlands Mayor, ourpatronMP Robert Halfon whoisthe chairman of theEducation Select Committee andofcourse Martin Wright, Editorin ChiefofMidland News Association,wewill continue to utilise theLadderbrand to showcaseapprenticeshipsinthe BlackCountry andsurrounding areas.

Alegacyfromthe Ladderfor theBlack Country

KevinDavis,the chairman of the LadderApprenticeshipFoundation,explainsthe importance of theLadderfor theBlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards 2022: My earlycongratulationtoall thenomineesand eventual winners!

As chairman of theLadderApprenticeship Foundation,Iamso pleasedthe Ladderawardsare coming to theBlack Country, in thefantastic venue of WolverhamptonGrand Station.

In 2014,wetranslatedthe Ladderfor London newspapercampaigntothe BlackCountry,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 span acrossthe country with aview, throughour Ladder forEngland Campaign,togoon to newCombinedAuthority/Metro mayoralty areas, leavingwehope, alastinglegacy.

In theBlack Country, we are grateful to thetrainingprovider networks,the BlackCountry Local Enterprise Partnership, WolverhamptonCityCouncil,and no less theMNA andits Express&Startitle, becausethe Ladderlegacyonly works becauseofthiscollaboration –our biggestand extensiveinitiative yet.

Iamsopleased that theBlack CountryApprenticeshipAwards, likeits otherMidland’s counterparts, will be oneofthose legacies, alongsidethe openingofWalsall’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, championing the‘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.

Theseawardswill magnifythe best of thosechampioningthiseffort andItrust,beaveryenjoyable nightfor all.

We detail allthe categories andthe businesses andorganisations that aresponsoring theminthissupplement.

Afreshsupplementwill be featured in thenewspaper just before theawardsthatwill detail allofthe finalistswho will each receivetwo complimentary ticketstothe awards

Ladderishelped by newspaper withcampaign

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

Each Thursday thereisapage 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 advertising KimHazel said:“The Express&Starwanted to give our full supporttothe importanteffortstoincreasethe number of apprenticeshipsinthe BlackCountry through these awards

“Unemploymentrates among young people arecurrently high andthe campaign is helpingaddressthat, butitisalsoencouragingapprentices acrosseveryage groupas well

“The Ladderisagreat community projectthatisplaying avital part in helpingtocreatethe skilled workforce that is so importantly needed in theBlackCountry in the 21st Century.”

Foundation chairman KevinDavis

Ladder team:ChrisLeggitt,Kevin Davis, Rob Colbourneand Gill Durkin

KevinDavis,left, and RobColbourne lead theLadderfor theBlack Country

Higgsgives backing to ‘exciting’ awards

Leadingregionallaw firm

HiggsLLP is proud to be sponsoring theApprentice of theYear: Professional Services category for theLadderfor theBlack Country Apprenticeship Awards 2022.

The firm,based inBrierleyHill,isa long-standingsupporter of theExpress &StarBusinessAwardssowas keen to be involved andtochampionthe region’s best-performingapprentices Nick Taylor,managingpartner at Higgs, said:“We’redelighted to be a sponsorin these exciting newawards whichwillshine alight on some of the BlackCountry’s most impressive apprentices.

“The Express&StarBusiness Awards have always been afantasticoccasion andone we’reproud to be involvedin. Throwing oursupport behind theapprenticeshipawardsisa naturalextension of that.

“Asa firm,wesee apprenticeships as an importantway forustonurture talent andensureweplayour part as alocal employer andhavethe skillsto keep maintaininggrowthand continue to providethe best legalservicesin theregion.

“Welookforward to thejudging process,the awards eveningin November,

BCTG delivers skills to buildbetterpeople

BCTG Groupaimsto

‘Build Better People’– by giving individualsfromall backgroundsthe chance to developnew skills and knowledge so they can progress andprosper.

Acrossthe groupweworkwith2,300 employersofferingover 160different traineeship,apprenticeshipand vocational coursesfor young people and adults

Eachyear, we supportalmost10,000 individualsinareas likeaccounting andbusiness, construction,engineering, logistics, warehousing, earlyyears andadult health care.

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

So having theright staff, with the rightskillsiscrucialtoachieving this

Ourhealth, educationand care programmes, supportindividuals andemployersthat–overthe last twoyears –havebeencrucialinhelping and caring forthe most vulnerable in our society

So we believethatitisimportant that we recognise andcelebrate thecontribution madebyeveryone in thesector.

Healthcare,likemanysectors, faces

arealchallenge inrecruitingand retaininghigh qualitystaff

As ajob,isisoften challengingbut always highly rewarding. So anyone choosing this as acareerneeds the skillsand knowledge to match.

Ourapprenticeshipprogrammesofferopportunitiesfor thoselooking to starttheir career at Level2,toexistinghealthcareprofessionals andmanagersneeding to improve theirskillsto Level5

andhearing aboutthe many achievementsofthe apprenticesinvolved.”

Higgs, whichhas 150years of heritage, currentlyhas eightapprentices studying forvarious legalqualificationswhile learning on thejob with highly-experienced colleagues.

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

BCTGGroup’schairmanChris 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, butwith afocus on thoseaged18-24 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-hour workshops at the CivicCentre,StPeter’s Square,include:

l Atourofthe councilbuilding (see what it’s likeinside)

l Tips on applying forvacancies within thecouncil

l An opportunitytohearfrom recruiting managersand what it is they arelooking for

l Thechancetospeaktoand hear from otheryoung people/ adults workingatthe council

l Information on theopportunities availabletoemployees

l Access to furthersupport throughthe BlackCountry Impact andWolvesAtWorkteams

Sessions aremonthly,withthe next Employment Information Workshopstakingplace on Wednesday13Julyand Wednesday10August,bothat 11am to 1pm.

To book aplaceoneitherofthe above sessions, e-mail theorgan-

isationaldevelopmentteamat 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 unemployedyoung peopleinWolverhampton 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 learning opportunities.”

Thereare avastarray ofapprenticeship vacanciesavailable every week acrossthe city,and City of

WolverhamptonCounciland partners arehelping recruit to these positions.

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

They provide real opportunities forpeopleofall ages whoare motivatedtowork, enthusiastic to learn, andwanttoearna competitive salarywhile gaininga nationally recognisedqualification.

They offerauniqueopportunity to developyourskillsinanareayou 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,and trainingcosts could be co-fundedbythe government. ThesuccessfulWolvesat Work programme,thathas helped more than 6,900 people into workinthe City of Wolverhamptonalso offers support to employers in recruiting apprentices.

Businesses that wish to discuss the supportavailable or thecontributiontheycan make to Wolves At Work areurged tocontact recruitment@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Shaun Aldis, of Wolverhampton Homes,left, andcouncilleaderCouncillor IanBrookfield, right, with apprentices Jaedyn Henry-Mapp, Wolverhampton Counciland TiaJohnsand Sam 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

1 CONSTRUCTION AND PROPER

2 ENGINEERING&MANUFACTU

3 HEALTH,EDUCATION &CARE

4 PROFESSIONALSERVICES

5 TECH, DIGITALAND CREATIVE

6 HOSPITALITY, RETAIL,LEISU

SUNDAY,SEPTEMBER1120225PM

SUNDAY,SEPTEMBER1120225PM

Closingdateforentries

W/CMONDAY, Finalistsnotifiedtheyhavebeen

W/CMONDAY,SEPTEMBER192022

Finalistsnotifiedtheyhavebee shortlisted.

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER32022

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER3202

AwardseveningatGrandHall, GrandStation,Wolverhampton

GrandStation,Wolverhampton.

#BCAA22

AWARDSCRITERIA

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR CATEGORY CRITERIA (1-6)

To enterthe Apprentice of theYear categoriesapprenticesmustbe currentlyonaprogrammethat startedbefore01/03/2022and finishes on or after11/11/2022. Your entrymustbealigned to the sector that youworkin. Judges will be lookingfor apprenticeswho can demonstrate theirachievements, contributionand theimpactthey have made within theindustrythey work:

• Thinkofyourteam, howthey operate andyourpersonal contributiontoteamobjectives.

• Outlinethe skillsyou have developedsince youbegan your apprenticeship

• Howhas your apprenticeship impacted on you, especiallyin termsofyourambitionsand motivation?

• Howdoes your apprenticeship help your employer meet organisational objectives?

• Includeyourpersonalaspirations andplannedcareerpath.

EDUCATIONAND ENGAGEMENT CRITERIA (7)

This awardwill recogniseproactive organisationswho go that extra miletoengagewiththe community around them to helpshape our future workforce

• In your nomination, please describe themethods your organisation uses to engage with thebusinesscommunityand the levelofthisengagement.

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

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

• List your organisation’s recent achievements in relation to developing soft skillsand engagingwithbusiness. Describe anychallengesyou have overcome to achieve these results.

• Please describe whyyour organisation should winthe Educationand Engagement Award

EMPLOYER OF THEYEAR CATEGORY CRITERIA (8-10)

This awardrecognisesoutstanding commitmenttoapprentices andapprenticeshipswithin an organisation.The judgesare 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 required as to:

• Whydoyou believethe delivery of your apprenticeship programmeis exceptional?

• Examples of howyou makeyour apprenticeshipsaccessible to peoplefromall backgrounds.

• Whatsetsyourorganisation aboveand beyond other employers?

• Howhas your apprenticeship programmehelpedmeetyour organisationscurrent andfuture skill requirements?

TRAINING PROVIDEROFTHE YEAR CRITERIA (11

)

This awardwill recogniseexcellence in thedeliveryofapprenticeships. Applications areencouragedfrom alltypes of providers, irrespective of size.Judgeswill be lookingfor providerstodemonstrate

• High Levels of engagement withemployers and apprentices

• Sustainedcommitmentto workingwithemployers in your sector, particularly how your provision adaptstomeet employerrequirements

• Evidence of highlevelsof learner retention,progression, andpositiveoutcomes

• Howdo youstandout from otherproviders?

HEADLINESPONSOR

Furniturerepaireris still driving forward

HomeserveFurnitureRepairs wasstarted in 2004 by localbusinessman and entrepreneur JamesLane, andhas been on an incredible journey overthe last 18 years– from oneman in avan to nowhaving over 250peoplewithin the Homeservefamily.

HomeserveFurniture Repairsis proudtoannouncethe openingofour newheadoffice andtrainingacademy building at Waterfront Business Park

We arecurrently on afull national recruitmentcampaigntoexpandthe HomeserveFurniture Repairsteam andare nowthe largestfurniture repair companyin theUK.

We arealso workingwithlocal colleges to offerand encouragethe opportunityfor people whowill be fully trained to become a field-basedfurniture technician. We currentlyvisit 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 increaseddesiretorestore or repair furnitureratherthanjustreplacing Also,withthe increasedgeneral de-

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR: HOSPITALITY, RETAIL,LEISURE

Marston’sdevelops apprentice talent

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

Thecompany hasbeendeveloping young people throughapprenticeship formorethan10years andmanyformer apprenticeshaveprogressed their careerswithinthe companytobecome generalmanagersand assistantmanagersacrossits 1,500pub estate

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

Thecompany currentlyhas 280 apprentices, 260inpubsand 20 in our pub supportbusiness,the target numberfor 2022 is to have350 apprentices in learning and450 next year.Celebratingour apprenticesisreallyclose to ourheartsand anumberofcurrent andformerapprentices attended the HospitalityShowcaseEvent at the HouseofCommonsearlier this year

The‘Take 5’ programme_ originally launched in 2019 –offersstudentsthe opportunitytospend five days learningabout allthe differentaspects of workingina puband explorethe 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 HomeserveFurnitureRepairs

We wouldliketothank allour clients forloyal supportover theyears andmostimportantly theHomeserve family forall yourextremely hard work.

Waterfront BusinessPark headoffice

An apprentice waitress at work

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’re37,000 people whoconnect homes, 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– on topofthe 3,500 traineeswho joined us last year

We want to attract theaspiringengineersoftomorrow from allwalks of life, andare working hard to bring more women andBlack,Asian and minorityethnicpeopleintoour workforce.

We’realso investingmillionsof pounds in regional trainingcentresto putpractical,real-life trainingatthe heartofour business.Recruits can experience atypical working dayina safe,interactive environment–learningeverythingthey’ll do on thejob

TheLadderfor theBlack Country

on aerospacetraining

CollinsAerospace is proud to be sponsoring theEducationand Engagement category.

As alocal employer in thecityof Wolverhampton, we employ over 1,400 people in thecityand arecommitted to making apositive andlong-term impact to both STEM educationand apprenticeshipsinAerospace

Over thelastthree intakes, we have recruitedmorethan40apprentices at ourWolverhamptonsite. They arenow excelling in theircareers in aerospace in arange of areas. From financeto engineering, we appreciatethe impact apprenticeshaveacrossthe business

In addition to this, Collins Aerospace has awardedSTEMLearning fundingtocreateanew partnership over the next two years to support 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 achievementinSTEM subjects,especiallythose from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups

OurSTEMeducation programmes areabout connecting students with ateacher to unlock potentialand inspiringyoung people aboutthe possi-

bilities aheadofthem. Teachers play a majorpartinthe choicestheymakeso it makessense to supportteachersto be thebestthattheycan be andENTHUSEPartnershipsare an effective waytoachieve this

STEM Learning’s ENTHUSEPartnerships enable moreyoung people, from allbackgrounds,toprogressin theirSTEM education, with more studentsenteringhigh-value STEM-related careersasaresult.

Apprenticeship Awards areimportant because they recognise thevalue of apprenticeshipsand thepositive impact they bringtobusinessesofall sizes.

Apprenticesget to earn whilethey learnwhile employersgainnew talent, increasedproductivityand improved staffretention

If you’reabusinesswithapprentices,pleasenominate your rising stars andencourage them to apply. We look forwardtoseeingyou on thenight!

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 apprentices in thecity

Openreach apprentices in apole yard

Unlockingpotential in Wolverhampton

WolverhamptonHomesisresponsiblefor managing more than 21,000 homesacrossthe city of Wolverhampton, on behalf of thecouncil

As oneofthe largestemployers in thecity, with more than 650colleagues, it is committed to nurturing localtalentand helpingpeopletoget on in lifethrough developing thenext generation of housingand tradeprofessionals

This year,the companyhas pledged to support41young people into work throughits apprenticeship andwork experience programmes

An apprenticeship programmetypicallytakes betweentwo andfouryears to complete andisthe perfectway for youngpeopletobuild core skills which help them to achievetheir full potential,whileearning in afull-time job.

Thecompany hasrecentlylaunched severalmanagementtrainee opportunities, giving GCSE, 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 cohort of apprenticesare allfromthe Wolverhamptonareaand aged between17and 24, playinganimportantpartinaddressinghigh levels

Worldwide expertsin engineering steels

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

It specialises in themanufacture of high qualityproductsina comprehensiverange of sizesinengineering steels

As amajor European brightbar produceritmanufacturedauniquerange of products includingrounds, hexagons,squares and flats.

Itshallmarkis flexibility,withthe aimofbeing abletoensurethatcustomers 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 order to ensure that theirteam 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

Once comprisingoffourproduction 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 establishedindependentlyin thelate 19th andearly 20thcenturies.The hot rolling activity canbetracedbackto George Gadd in Tipton in 1865

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

“Our next roundofapprenticevacancieswillbereleasedsoon– they are afantastic opportunityand I’dencourageall to seeifanapprenticeshipcould be rightfor you.”

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

Aartee BrightBar values apprentices

LARGEEMPLOYEROFTHE YEAR (250+ EMPLOYEES) SPONSOREDBY

Aperfectvenue for hosting city’s events

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

Originallyopening in 1854, Grand StationisaGrade II listed building

It wasoriginallyWolverhampton’s lowlevel railwaystation that welcomed travellersfromall over thecountry

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

The astonishingcrafted ceiling alongsidethe gracefully sculpted arched windows leaveour guestsin aweand form theperfect backdrop to anyevent

Experienced

TheGrand Station’sprime city centre location coupledwithits experienced staffhas ensured itsartistry within this magnificent sector GrandStation in Sun Street now playshosttomorethan300 immaculateand versatileeventseachand everyyear.

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

of thenew 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 geographyin theUKand employ around 6,500staff andhavean annual intake 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 PowerNetwork Engineer Standard

Ourtrainingfacilities have areputation forexcellence andare some of thebiggest andbest-equipped in the country. We have five bespoketraining facilities locatedinTipton, Taunton, Stoke, Cymbran, andWorcester and offerlevel 3and 4standards-based apprenticeshipsaswellasexternal training.

As amajor employer acrossthe Black Country, we believewehavearesponsibility to play afulland active role in

thecommunities we serve. That is why we supportinitiatives likethe Black CountryApprenticeshipAwards.

We believethe awards areimportant as they provideagreat opportunityto recognise,encourage andreward local businesses/membersofthe community whohavemadeadifferencethrough providingapprenticeshipopportunities andtraininginitiatives

We wouldliketocongratulateall of thenomineesand wish them goodluck.

Ourdedicated events team, together with ourexceptional selectionofcaterers, will ensurethatany eventismade to look effortless GrandStation is honoured to support getting youngpeopleback into work.

We hope to seethe best of these individualsfeatured at theLadderfor theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards,which is beingstaged on November3hereatGrand Station.

InsideWolverhampton’s GrandStation

Come

OBEfor training boss behind Ladder team

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

Mr Colbournehas headed PTP Training,partofthe BCTG Group, for nearly 18 years, andwas behind the launch of TheLaddercampaignthat hascreated more than 4,000 apprenticeshipsacrossthe region since2018.

Letus

Forfurther information, please get in touch with our Search and Selectteamon 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 the most recent.The expansioninvolvedexcitingprojectsof breadth, basedoninternalgrowthand thepurchaseofother businesses

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

Currently, Malthouseoffersanextensiverange of products andservices includingfabrications, flamecutting, grinding,heatpress,furnacingand more. Malthouse offersteelprofiles from 6mmto500mm in thickness, with thecapability of providinggrindingservicesofupto126mm in diameter.Thishas allowedMalthouse to provideits competencies to over 40 Britishindustries, expandingrecently to supporteco-friendlyindustry.

Thecompany employs80staff,who work flexibly to achievethe standard Malthousehas setfor itscustomers.

Malthousehas nowacquired the building andlandnextdoor, to ensure itsgreen growth strategy will be realised. Followingthe recent investmentinrainwater harvesting,the newextension will incorporatesolar

panels forelectricuse,building on the insights derivedfromInnovateUK funding. This will permit investment in plasma-cutting Chiefexecutive RoyTaylor, who took over in 1984,said: “Thisis, withoutdoubt,the mostexcitingphase of growth in Malthouse’shistory.Welook forwardtocontinuingtosupplyour customers with steelproducts, manufactured in themostsustainable way possible.”

He hasreceived thehonourinrecognition of hisservicestothe training andapprenticeshipsector.

Mr Colbourne, aged 52,who is married with threechildrenand livesin Walsall, said:“Iwas genuinelysurprised but very honoured when I received alettertelling me Iwas to receiveanOBE.I have never sought such an award, butamneverthelessvery proud, especially because of theemotive response from my parents.

“Butmostofall,Iwas very proud of allmycolleaguesatPTP whohave workedsohardover theyears to enhancethe provisionoftrainingand apprenticeshipsacrossthe Midlands regions.

“I maybepicking up theaward,but this OBEreallyisareflection of teamworkbothhereatPTP andacrossthe widerBCTGGroup.”

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 theStaffordshire Provider Network.

Rob ColbourneheadsPTP Training

Malthouse Engineering in Tividale