Ladder for the Black Country 2023

Todaythe Express &Star in conjunction withLadder forthe Black Countryand Walsall Councilare proud to announce theofficial launchofthe Ladder forthe Black CountryApprenticeship Awards 2023.

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

This supplement highlights the awards categories and criteria, their sponsorsand howyou can enter either an individual apprenticeoryour owncompany

Onceentries have closed and the judging hastaken placethe competition will culminatein apresentation evening at Walsall’sBescotStadium.

We look forwardtoreceivingyour entries.

#BCAA23

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HEADLINESPONSOR

LADDERFOR THEBLACK COUNTRY

Compass Group UK &Ireland employs morethan45,000 people across 6,000 locations in theUK, providing food andservices within different sectorssuchassportsand leisure, education,business,and industry.

Last year,Compass launched ‘Our SocialPromise’, an ambition to positively impactone millionlives by 2030, from bothwithin and outside theorganisation throughjob creation, education,training,community, and charitable engagement.Partofthis strategyincludes the development of itspeople -investing in talent forthe future, through schemes likeapprenticeships.Compass provides over45different apprenticeships that covereverything fromCulinary,Facilities, Business Management,Events, HR,Finance,IT/Digital, Sales,and Procurement

Theprogrammes have been developedtotakecandidates fromlevel 2uptolevel 6and 7,degree apprenticeships

NewCompass hub forskillsand learning

CompassGroup UK and Ireland’sregionalcommunity skills andlearning hubatEdgbastonisbeing

designed to create anew centre of excellence that investslocally in thedevelopment of thenextgeneration of hospitalityprofessionals.

Openingearly 2024, thesitewill be focusedonproviding recognised qualificationsinthe communityand providing the firststeps into alife-long career in thehospitality industry,the hubwill be apermanent facility designed to offerpractical experiencesto learners

Thebespoke developmentwill offera rangeoffacilities designed to enhance thelearningexperience,including a training kitchenwith12individual learning stations that will allowthe chef trainers to demonstrateskillsand overseelearningexperiences.

Frontofhouse areashavebeendesigned to replicateareal-life working environment, incorporatingtable service,barista,and barservice training opportunities.

Therewill also be aspace forinnovation,toenableconcept development training on theapplication of technology in thehospitality industry and

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 biggestconstructionspecialistcold roll-forming companyand part of the largestglobally-leadingsteeland technology group, providingproducts for theconstructionand manufacturing industries acrossthe world

Thecompany remainspassionate about therecruitment anddevelopment of young talent

Youngpeoplewho arefortunate enough to gain places on voestalpine Metsec’sapprenticeshipschemecan 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 limitedtoen-

Apprenticesget high-quality training

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 thedevelopmentoflocaltalent,”headded.

classroomstyle sessions in arelaxed andinformalsetting

Compasswillbeworking with industryleading apprenticeship providers to create courses designed to support trainingofindividuals.

Thecommunity skillsand learning hub, followsanother cutting-edge initiativefromthe foodservicegiant -‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’,which launched back in 2021

Theenhanceddevelopment course runs alongsideaLevel 4senior culinary chef or Level5operationsdepartmental managerapprenticeshipstandardand hassofar involved almost 30 senior chefsfromacrossthe different Compasssectors

WE HAVE BEEN RECRUITING APPRENTICES FOROVER20YEARS

Apprentices getinvolved in all areasofthe businessincluding IT, tool making,structuraldesign,sales,maintenance, projectengineering, profile manipulation,customrollforming, quality andsomuchmore.

voestalpine Metsec plc www.metsec.com

Compassoffershospitality training

Awards back aftertriumphantdebut

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Thewinners of thesecondLadderfor theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards will be revealed on November 16.

WalsallFC’sPoundland Bescot Stadiumisthe venuefor thebig nightorganisedbythe Express& Star with theLadderand newheadline sponsors in WalsallCouncil RobColbourne from theLadder team said the firstawardsatGrand StationinWolverhamptonlastyear hadbeena huge triumph Initiative

“Ifsomeone hadsaidtothe ‘LadderFoundationFounders’ that the apprenticeship initiative wouldstill be goingstrong 10 yearson, I’mnot sure we wouldhavebelievedthem.

“Whatstarted offasanextension of theLadderfor London,to get500 apprenticeship starts in theBlackCountry,and showcasing everything good aboutapprenticeshipsthrough one of ourkey partners,the Express&Star, wasthe starting pointina journeythathas growntoover 5,000 apprenticeship starts alongwithopening aLadder School,job fairs, impartialinformation advice andguidancetoschool leaversabout apprenticeships, a

workexperienceLadderacademy andapprenticeshipawards,”said Mr Colbourne, whoaddedthat duetothe greatsuccess of the first BlackCountry LadderApprenticeship Awards,there wasasubstantial appetite forasecondawards.

“Weare thrilled that yetagain, theExpress &Starissupportingus to championall that is goodabout apprenticeshipsin theBlack Countryand thepositive impact it hason employersand individualsalike.”

KevinDavis said:“As chairmanofthe LadderApprenticeship Foundation,Iamsopleased the BlackCountry Ladder, throughthe awards,are coming back to Walsall.

“I saybacktoWalsall,asthe Ladder, albeit operatingacrossthe

region,was birthedin thetown in 2014,whenagroup of keyWalsall partners includingits council, alongsideothers, translatedthe Ladderfor London newspaper campaigntothe BlackCountry.SubsequentlyShropshire, Staffordshire, Birmingham,and Coventryand Warwickshirefollowed. We have facilitatedthe creation of thousands of new apprenticeshipsthrough our partnerships with news groups like theMidland News Association With theBlack Countryawards launched last year in Wolverhampton, we continue to addressthe skills, andjobschallenges of our region,and we aregratefultothe training providernetworks,the LEPs,councils, andnolessMNA

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR: HEALTH,EDUCATION &CARE

BCTG’s missionis in developing skills

BCTG Groupaimsto

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

Acrossthe groupweworkwith2300 employersofferingover 160different traineeships, apprenticeshipsand vocational coursesfor young people and adults.And each year,wesupport almost 10,000 individualsinareas like accounting andbusiness, construction,engineering,logistics,warehousing, earlyyears andadult health care

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

So having the rightstaff,withthe rightskillsiscrucialtoachieving this

Ourhealth, educationand care programmes, supportindividuals andemployersthat, over thelasttwo years, have been crucialinhelping andcaringfor themostvulnerable in society.

So we believeit’simportant we recognise andcelebrate thecontribution made by everyone in thesector.

Healthcare,likemanysectors, faces arealchallenge inrecruitingand re-

taininghighquality staff. As ajob,it’s oftenchallenging butalwayshighly rewarding. So anyone choosingthisasa career needs theskillsand knowledge to match.

Ourapprenticeshipprogrammesofferopportunitiesfor thoselooking to starttheir career at Level2,toexistinghealthcareprofessionals andmanagersneedingtoupskill to Level5

andits Express&Startitle,becausethe Ladderlegacyonlyworks because of this collaboration.

“I wassopleased,thatthe Black CountryAwards, whichhad itssuccessfullaunchatWolverhampton last year,likeits otherMidlands counterparts, is oneofthose Ladderlegacies, beyondthe articles

In NovemberIhad thepleasureof openingofWalsall’s newLadder School building,Mercian Trust’s multi-million poundalternative provision, supporting some of the most disadvantaged students that need atailored approach to teachingand learning

“Withthanks to ourpartners, BCTG,PTP,and GBSLEP,thiswas followed in February with theopen-

ingofthe LadderSkillsacademy in Birmingham.OpenedbyMayor Andy Street,the academyoffers young people theopportunityto ‘haveago’ at avariety of careers.”

He addedthatthe LadderApprenticeship Foundation andits partners continue in championing the ‘Ladderofopportunity’,the mobility of learners through, education andwork.

“Webelieve adiversity of apprenticeshipsare akey factor towardsa more mobile,and just society.

“These Black Country awards will magnifythe best of those championing thiseffortand Itrust, be averyenjoyable nightfor all,” said Mr Davis.

SPONSOREDBY

BCTG GroupchairmanChrisLuty

OverallwinnerEmmaHannon of WalsallCouncil with other2022winners

KevinDavis is chairman of theLadderApprenticeshipFoundation

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR: TECH,DIGITALAND CREATIVE

PhoenixConsortia tackling skills gap

PhoenixConsortia operateagroup of specialist roofing andcladdingcompanies specialising within thecommercial, industrial,retailand educational sectors within theUKrefurbishmentmarket.

With more than50yearsofexperience in theindustryand an excellent reputation,Phoenix Consortia prides itself on itsprofessional, superior qualityofservice,highstandardof workmanship andour ability to always workveryclosely with allour clients.

IncorporatingSPV Special Projects Ltd, HowardEvans Roofing Ltd, Ivor ParnhamBuildingServicesLtd and SPVEnergyManagementSystems, PhoenixConsortia offers amultitude of disciplines andservicestoprovide thecompletebuilding package.

Phoenixconsortia hasa combined workforce of morethan100 operatives, alltrained andexperiencedinthe installation of awiderange of roofing andcladdingsystems andproducts.

As roofing contractors, SPVare well awareofthe currentskillsshortage in thedifficultiesinattractingnew entrants to ourindustry.

SPVpartneredwithJuniper Trainingin2019tooffer afreebespoke of-

Apprenticeshipsare backed by law firm

ferthatwill equipyoung people aged 16-18witheverything they need to be construction site readytoprogress into employment or an apprenticeship

Junipercan also supportupskills within theindustryin allthree roofing disciplines –waterproofing, sheeting andcladdingand slatingand tiling Pleasevisit www.spvtraining.co.uk formoreinformation of what we can offer.

Award-winninglaw

firm HiggsLLP is supporting

up-and-comingtalentin

theregionbysponsoring theApprenticeofthe Year: Professional Services categoryinthe Ladder forthe BlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards 2023.

The firm,based in Brierley Hill, sees apprenticeshipsasan importantway to nurturetalentasitcontinues its growth

Higgscurrently has10apprentices of itsown studying forvarious legaland non-legalqualificationswhile learning on thejob alongsideother talentedcolleagues.

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

Sophie Wardell, HR director at Higgs, said:“We’redelightedtobea sponsorofthese awards,which will againshine alightonsome of theregion’s most impressive apprentices.

“Lastyear’sinaugural eventwas fantastictobeinvolvedinand it was greattohearabout themanyachievementsofthe apprenticesinvolved.

“Welookforward to thejudging process andtothe finalevent when these

apprenticeswill receivethe recognition they deserve.”

Last year Higgssupported its first solicitorapprentice, LatoyahThompson. Thequalification provides an alternativetothe traditional route throughuniversity Higgs, whichhas almost 150years of heritage,was recently crownedregional law firm of theyearat theBirminghamLaw SocietyLegal Awards

Business Administration and Accounting

of the business from

sheeting and cladding

LatoyahThompson of Higgs LLP

Howard Evansand Kate Whatley

Councilisnew main awards sponsor

WalsallCouncil is delightedtobeheadline sponsorfor theLadder forthe BlackCountry ApprenticeshipAwards.

This followsthe announcement that WalsallCouncil wonthe ‘large employer of theyear’ awardatthe JuniperTrainingApprenticeship

Awards 2023

WalsallWorks is an award-winning initiative funded by Walsall Counciltosupport localpeopleto find jobs,apprenticeships, andaccess training, whilst also supportinglocal businesses to invest in theirfutureworkforce

Theproject is committed to helpingWalsall residents into various opportunitiesacrossthe borough andregionand hashad ahugeimpact on thereduction of youthunemployment

Theprogramme pro-actively signpoststoservicesdeliveredby partnerorganisations andoffers participants supportwithwrap around services such as bespoke trainingleading to vocational qualifications, as well as supportwith personal barriers such as housing, debt advice,counselling,work clothing andequipment, travel costsand childcare.

We supportour community with improvingtheir financiallitera-

cy anddigital capability through offering non-accredited andaccredited trainingsuchaspersonal budgeting,costoflivingadvice, basicskills, digitalskills, employability skills, vocational courses, andpre-employmentprogramme

Theprogramme celebrates many successes in placingclients into apprenticeship,bothwithinlocal and national employers such as Balfour Beatty VINCI.

HS2’sconstructionpartner BBV is designingand building the90km sectionofBritain’s newhighspeed, lowcarbonrailway

Oneofour unemployed clients, wassupported by aWalsall Works advisortoapply foropportunities viaour partnershipwithBBV, whichresultedinan offerofapaid work placement. Whilst there, her hard workand dedication wasrecognisedbymanagers, andshe then

successfullyapplied forthe position of stakeholderengagementco-ordinatorwithinthe stakeholder managementdepartment andisbeing given personal development support to commence toaLevel 3business administration apprenticeship

Anotherclientwas referred to WalsallWorks viathe Jobcentre as abenefitclaimant, whohad not workedin over five years. Ouradvisorestablished that ourclient

hadreceivedmultiple rejections andsetbackswhich causedhim to lack confidence in getting back into work. Theprioritywas thereforeto buildatrustingrelationshipand to take thetimetolistenattentively to ourclient’s’ concerns, frustrations, andaspirations

In March2023, followinga successfulbootcampprogramme,our client wasoffered an apprenticeship as adataanalyst with Nant

Whatever stageyou areat, our aimistohelp youaccess support and trainingthat will increase your chancesof accessingjobsbeingcreated by localemployers

Ourprogrammewantstohelppeople to progressand is aimed at supporting Walsallresidentsfromall over theborough,regardlessofwhere youlive, your age, your work experience or personal circumstances.

Lisa Kocwith theJuniperaward TheWalsallWorksclient whoisnow working at Balfour Beatty VINCIonthe HS2 high speed railproject

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

Wearedelightedto

announcethelaunchof theLadderfortheBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards.

ThisinitiativeisbackedbytheExpress &Starandruninpartnershipwith LadderfortheBlackCountryand WalsallCouncilasheadlinesponsor 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–Friday, September82023.

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

WHATHAPPENSNEXT?

AftertheclosingdateonFriday, September82023,representatives ofthecategorysponsorswillread throughallthenomineeswhohave enteredandchoseashortlistofthree finalistforeachcategory.

Thefinalistsineachcategorywillbe informedw/cMonday,September18 thattheyhavemadetheshortlist.

Allfinalistswillbeinvitedtothe ApprenticeshipAwardsEvening2023 hostedatBescotStadium,Walsallon theeveningofThursday,November

162023,wherethewinnersofeach categorywillbeannounced.

TheExpress&Star‘OverallApprentice oftheYear2023’willbechosenfrom categories1-6byrepresentativesof ourheadlinesponsorWalsallCouncil andwillalsoberevealedonthe eveningofNovember162023

JustbeforetheeventtheExpress& Starwillcarryaspecialsupplement in-paperfeaturingallofthefinalists. Ifyouarefinalist,youwillreceivetwo complimentaryticketstotheawards eveningwiththeoptiontobuyextra places Thewinnerswillberevealed atBescotStadium,Walsallon, Thursday,November16,2023.

PLEASENOTE

Contactdetailsofallapprentices/ businessesthatsubmitentrieswill bemadeavailabletoallcategory sponsorsofthecampaignwhomay getintouch.

Informationwillbetreatedinthe strictestofconfidenceandwillbe sharedonlywiththejudgeswho includecategorysponsors

Sponsorsandtheirbusinessmembers canentertheirowncategorybut willrelinquishtheirresponsibilityof judgingthecategory

Apprentices/Businessesmustbe preparedtotakepartinanyrelevant publicity.

AWARDSPROJECTTEAM

Shouldyouhaveanyquestions,please giveusacallon01902442277.

DATESFORYOURDIARY

FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER82023,5PM

Closingdateforentries

W/CMONDAY,SEPTEMBER18,2023

Finalistsnotifiedtheyhavebeen shortlisted.

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER16,2023

AwardseveningatBescot Stadium,Walsall

#BCAA23

apprentic

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR: (CATEGORIES 1-

AWARDSCRITERIA

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR CATEGORY CRITERIA (1-6)

To enterthe Apprentice of theYear categories apprenticesmustbe currently on aprogrammethat startedbefore01/03/2023and finishesonorafter 11/11/2023

Your entrymustbealigned to the sector that youworkin. Judges will be lookingfor apprenticeswho can demonstratetheir achievements, contribution andthe impactthey have made within theindustrythey work:

• Thinkofyourteam, howthey operate andyourpersonal contributiontoteamobjectives.

• Outlinethe skillsyou have developed sinceyou began your apprenticeship

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

• Howdoes your apprenticeship helpyouremployermeet organisational objectives?

• Includeyourpersonalaspirations andplannedcareerpath.

EDUCATIONAND ENGAGEMENT CRITERIA (7)

This awardwill recogniseproactive organisationswho go that extra mile to engagewiththe community around them to help shapeour future workforce

• In your nomination, please describe themethods your organisation uses to engagewith thebusinesscommunity andthe levelofthisengagement.

• Whyisengagingwith business anddeveloping your pupils/students/customers’ employabilityand soft skills (e.g.communication,teamwork, resilienceetc.) important for your organisation?How is this reflected andpromotedinyour leadership,managementand governance?

• Describe howemployability andsoftskillsare practically incorporated into learningand/ or training.Whatisinnovative aboutyourapproach?

• Listyourorganisation’s recent achievements in relation to developing soft skillsand engagingwithbusiness. Describe anychallengesyou have overcometoachieve these results.

• Please describe whyyour organisationshould 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.

Evidenceisrequiredasto:

• Whydo youbelieve the deliveryofyourapprenticeship programmeisexceptional?

• Examplesofhow youmakeyour apprenticeshipsaccessible to people fromall backgrounds.

• Whatsetsyourorganisation above andbeyond other employers?

• Howhas your apprenticeship programmehelpedmeetyour organisationscurrent andfuture skill requirements?

TRAINING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR CRITERIA (11)

This awardwill recognise excellence in thedeliveryofapprenticeships. Applications areencouragedfrom alltypes of providers, irrespective of size.Judges will be lookingfor providerstodemonstrate

• High Levels of engagement with employersand apprentices

• Sustainedcommitmentto workingwithemployers in your sector, particularlyhow your provision adapts to meet employerrequirements

• Evidence of high levels of learnerretention, progression, andpositive outcomes

• Howdoyou standout from otherproviders?

Summer is agreat time forupskilling

As thetemperature rises

forwardtosummeryou maybeforgivenfor thinkingthatschools andcollegesare breaking up until September.

However at HalesowenCollege we appreciatethatthe summer months maybeanexcellent time foremployers to upskilltheir staffand getthemto gain newqualificationsand abilities

As such we arecontinuingtooffer acomprehensive portfolioofonline learning coursesthroughoutthe summermonths.

We offercoursesatlevel 2and level 3coveringawiderange of subjects from customerservice to abroad range of coursesessential forworking in the health andcaresectors such as autism awareness, endoflifecareand dealing with dementia.

Some of theonline coursescould also lead to embarking on amorehigh-level qualification in September

Theskillsyourstaff areabletolearn in a flexible waytosuittheir busy lives andyourbusinesswill addvalue to yourorganisationand bridge your skillsgap

Coursesare fullyonline with no need to attend collegeand come with a

Apprenticesbacked by Silvaman Group

TheSilvamanGroup is extremelyproud to be supporting theExpress & Star’s Ladder forthe Black CountryApprenticeship Awards 2023.

We recognisethe hardworking individualsinthe BlackCountry andactively supportapprenticeships in our ownorganisation.

Baylee Dunkleyisthe latest apprentice to join Silvaman, whichisa national fit-outcompany to theretail industry undertaking allaspects of retail projects from pre-construction to completion

Baylee is studying digitalmarketing level3atWalsall Collegeduringher Silvaman apprenticeship

Herapprenticeshiphas given herthe toolsand ambition to workashardas possible to become aqualified digital marketer

Sheexplained:“Ichose to startan apprenticeship because Ibelievedthat thepractical skillsyou learnat work areextremely useful foradvancing in yourchosenprofession.

“I feel very thankful to director Phil Boden andthe teamthatdirectlysupportsmyapprenticeship.

“The experience Ihavegainedsofar hasbeeninvaluable.

“The fact Iget to earn whileI learn

is amassive benefittoo.Iwould definitely recommendanapprenticeshipin digitalmarketing.”

Mr Boden said:“Baylee hasmadeexcellentprogressinher workand study andiscreatinga positive impact with thecompany’s marketingcampaigns “Wewishall of thenomineesinthe Ladderfor theBlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards eventthe verybestof luck.”

rangeofoutstanding learning resources that meet arange of diverse learningneeds. Learners cansubmittheir workonline andwill have thesupport of asubject specialist tutortohelp them alongthe way.

Forfurther informationabout what we offervisit halesowencollege

theskillsnetwork.comorcontact 0121

6027777 to discussand enrol. We hope you enjoy thesummer of 2023

andeveryoneislooking

TheMan City storeatArndale

Thecollege offers distance learning

OurApprenticeships

WearepassionateaboutdevelopingourpeoplesoWolverhampton Homesisagreatplacetostartyourcareer.Asoneofthelargest employersinthecity,withmorethan650colleagues,weare committedtonurturinglocaltalentandhelpingpeopletogeton inlifethroughdevelopingthenextgenerationofhousingandtrade professionals.

Ifyou’vejustleftschoolorcollege,orarelookingfora changeindirection,thiscouldbeyourperfectnextstep

wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/apprentices

@wolveshomes

MEDIUM EMPLOYER OF THEYEAR (51-249EMPLOYEES)

KUKA empowering itsfutureengineers

KUKA UK’s apprenticeship programmeisastepping stonefor students pursuingacareerinrobotics andfactory automation.

It offers auniqueblendoftheoreticallearningand hands-on experience, equippingapprentices with theskills needed to excelinthisdynamic industry.

Theprogramme’s curriculum coversprogramming,systemintegration, maintenance, andtroubleshooting

This comprehensiveapproachensures apprenticesdevelop awell-rounded skillset,makingthemhighly sought-afterprofessionals

Mentorship playsacrucialrolein theprogramme,withindustryexperts guidingapprentices andsharing valuable insights

This collaborative learning environment fosterscamaraderie andteamwork, essentialqualities forsuccess in industry

Apprenticesalso gain real-world experience throughplacementswith KUKA UK’s partners andcustomers

Theprogramme offers acompetitive salary,providing financialstability whilepursuingapassion.Apprentices also earn anationallyrecognizedqualification,enablingthemtoprogressin

Applications forcity programme areopen

Wolverhampton Homes will be supporting more youngpeople in thecity with thelaunchofits 2023 apprenticeship programme.

Thecompany,which manages more than 21,000 properties of behalf of the City of WolverhamptonCouncil,isoffering paid apprenticeshipsfor trade andoffice roles, includingbricklaying, plumbing andcustomerservices.

With therisingcostofliving, many young people arelooking foralternativestouniversity,and an apprenticeship is theperfect waytoearnwhile you learn, with acombination of formalcollege studyand hands-on trainingsupported by adedicated mentor

ShaunAldis,chief executiveofWolverhampton Homes, said:“We’recommitted to helpingpeopleget on in life andare developing initiativesthat supportthe council’sprioritytoreduce youth unemployment in thecity.

“Wehavealongtradition of bringingapprentices into thebusinessand now,morethanever,choosinganapprenticeship canoffer young people opportunitiestheymay nototherwise experience.

“Bringingfresh ideasand anew approach,apprentices help us deliver the very best servicetoour customersand

Enjoy,learnandearn!

Shapeacareerinrobotics, engineering&factoryautomation

Aplumbing andgas apprentice

areinvolvedwithprojectsatthe forefrontofthe greenagenda.

“Anapprenticeshipcreates so many opportunitiestoreach yourpotential.”

Eachapprenticeispairedwitha mentor whowill providehelpand support to reachtheir potential.

To find outmoreabout theopportunitiesavailable,visit www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/apprentices

Mentorship is important to KUKA UK

theircareers or pursue higher education

KUKA is aglobalautomationcorporation andone of theworld’s leadingsuppliers of intelligent automation solutions, offering customers everything from asinglesource.

KUKA SystemsUKare basedin Halesowenand deliver factoryautomation solutionstocustomers across theglobe

Agoodapprenticeshipisessential forafutureofhigh-qualitywork

Weofferopportunitiesinthefields ofrobotics,engineeringandfactory automation,inlinewiththelatest technicalstandardswithtraining deliveredbyexperiencedprofessionals,makingyoureadyforyour dreamjobwithKUKA

Tofindoutmoreaboutthepotential opportunitiesatKUKA,pleasedropusaline at:01215850800andaskforDavidRose

“EveryoneatWHhas mademefeelso welcome.Ifeel supportedandI’m excitedforwhat thefutureholds.”

Haydn,Apprentice

TRAINING PROVIDER OF THEYEAR

National Grid thinks training is essential

National Grid’s electricitydistribution business is responsible formanagingand maintainingthe cablesand wiresthatdeliverpower to homesand businesses across theMidlands, SouthWestEngland andSouth Wales.

We arecommitted to providingsafe, stable andreliableelectricity while minimising theimpactonthe environment andensuring the highestquality of servicefor eightmillion customers

Training anddevelopment is acritical part of oursuccessionplanning programmes.Wehaveanannualintake of around 100apprentices and currentlyhavealmost300 level 3apprenticesstudyingthe PowerNetwork CraftspersonStandardaswellasa number of level4 apprenticesstudying theElectrical PowerNetworkEngineer Standard

Ourtrainingfacilities have areputation forexcellence andare some of the biggestand best-equippedinthe countryfor theprovision of industry skills andoperational training. We have five bespoketrainingfacilities locatedin Taunton, Tipton,Stoke,Cymbran,and Worcester.

As amajor employeracrossthe Black

BusyBeescreating a buzzabout training

established training provider, Busy Bees’commitment lies in thedevelopment andempowerment of apprenticesspanningmany industries.

Whetheryou seek apprenticeships, continuing professional development courses or firstaid training, ouraccessible,engaging, and flexible programmesare designed foryou

We believeinfostering aculture of inspiringindividuals to achievetheir best.Weunderstandthatsuccess is a collective effort andaim to soar higher together

Ourjourney beganin 2003,deliveringaward-winningapprenticeships that garnered remarkable success. Building on this achievement, in 2013 we introduced Busy Bees Education andTraining, expandingour offerings to encompassapprenticeships and shortcoursesacrossthe UK. We recognise theimportanceof firstaid trainingand collaboratewithemployers to enhancethe skills of theirteams

Throughoutyourtrainingjourney, our experienced and certified professionalswillbethere to supportyou at everystep. We arecommitted to

providingthe guidance andresources necessarytohelpyou reachyourfull potential. Together,wecan unlock newopportunities, empoweryourprofessionalgrowth, andpavethe wayfor apromising future Choose us as yourtrainingprovider andembarkonatransformativelearningexperience. Busy Bees Education andTrainingproudly champions the smallbusiness category

National Grid has five training sites

Country, we believewehavearesponsibility to play afull andactive role in thecommunities we serve, which is whywesupport initiativeslikethe Ladderfor theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards.Theyprovide agreat opportunitytorecognise,encourage andrewardlocal businesses/members of thecommunity whohavemadea difference by providingapprenticeship opportunitiesand traininginitiatives

With nearly twodecades of experience as an

Busy BeesNationalSupport Centre

In-CommTrainingis backingthe awards

TheUK’sleading trainingprovideristhrowingits full weightbehind this year’s Ladder forthe BlackCountry Awards,as it lookstoget hundreds of youngpeopleembarking on an apprenticeship.

In-CommTraining, whichwas recently namedasthe FamilyBusiness of theYearatthe Express&Star Awards,has morethan150 live apprentice positionscurrently available acrossthe BlackCountry andShropshire.

Hundreds of engineering firms, manufacturers, logisticsexperts and professional services companiesare recognisingthe importance of vocational learning in bridging theskills gap andwhy ‘growing theirown’isincreasingly vital.

Level2,Level 3and Level 4Apprentices– with aguaranteedemployer alreadyinplace –are availableatits technical academiesinAldridgeand Telfordand allitneedsnow is for young people or mature learners,lookingfor anew career challenge, to step forwardand beginlearningonmore than £10million of equipment and technology.

“The Ladderfor theBlackCoun-

Collegeis aleader in developmentofskills

SandwellCollege is a proud sponsorofthe Express& Star Apprenticeship Awards.

As aleading provider of 16-19study programmes in theWestMidlands, we arecommitted to creatingthe careers of tomorrow andensuring thatevery young personhas theopportunityto reachtheir full potential.

We supportour learners in developingtheir academic,personaland social skillssotheyare fullyequippedfor future progressiontoapprenticeships, higher educationoremployment

Workingclosely in partnershipwith high profile regional employers, we nurturethe future workforcegeneration in sectorssuchas dentalnursing, socialcare, construction andautomotive engineering.

Assistantdirectorofexternalengagement,Jessica Lewis, said:“We’re committed to helpingbusinesses engage with thenextgenerationtosupport theirfutureworkforce

“That’swhy we have createdthe #Pledge2Investcampaign. We’realso committed to making sureweshout aboutbusinessesthatwanttoinvest, andthere areopportunitiesfor free networking andpromotions through thecollege.”

Ourapprenticeships andbespoke

deliveryofprofessionalqualifications andtrainingare rigorously targeted to keep yourcurrent workforceengaged andequippedinanever-changing market

If you areconsidering taking on an apprentice,oryou know someone who wouldbeanideal candidate, please get intouch with us on 0121 6675018or online at www.sandwell.ac.uk/employers/employers-contact-us/

tryisagreat initiative that promotes apprenticeshipstolearnersand also lookstoengagewithmoreemployers –acollaboration we need if we aregoing to really boostvocationalskills,”explainedBekki Phillips, chiefoperating officeratIn-Comm Training

“We’ve gotarecordnumberofroles available, rangingfrommachining andmechatronics engineerstowelders andahostofoffice-basedroles.”

SandwellCollege’s centralcampus

Thetechnicalacademy at Telford

TROPHY SPONSOR SPONSOREDBY

Football club proud to be awards host

WalsallFootballClubis proudtohavebeenchosenas thehostvenue for this year’s Ladder forthe BlackCountry Apprenticeship Awards in November.

Locatedinthe heartofthe West Midlands andaveryshortdrive from threemajor junctionsofthe M6 with fast access to theM5/M6 Toll Road, we’reideally placed to host regional andnationalevents. We arealso served by arailway stationpositioned rightopposite thestadium

Afew factsabout ourvenue:

l With over 15 function roomscatering fortwo to 650people, we can provideyou with theideal venue for yourevent

l Our flexible facilities,combined with ourevent andoperational expertise,award winningcateringteam, all addtoawinningcombination

l We canhostanarray of events, from conferences, meetings andexhibitions, birthday parties, weddings, promsand presentationevenings, charityballs, socialgatheringsand much more

l We’renow showcasingand have on sale ourChristmas parties. There arediscounted ticketstoanyonethat booksbeforeJuly31.

l Most of oursuitesoverlook the

PTP: committedto providing excellence

PerformanceThrough People is oneofthe leadingproviders of training andapprenticeshipprogrammesinthe West Midlands.

PTPsupportsemployers,individualsand communitiesbydelivering apprenticeships, bespoke commercial courses andarange of government funded trainingprogrammestosuit theneedsofits customers

RobColbourne OBE, chiefexecutive of PTP, part of theBCTGGroup,said: “Weare delightedtobesponsoring thisawardsbrochure,asone of the founding membersofthe region’s Laddernetwork

“PTP is committed to providingexcellenttrainingand development for both learners andcompanies,delivered by ourhighlycompetent specialiststaff.”

PTPhas been establishedfor morethan40years andhas several long-serving membersofstaff with awealthofexperienceinproviding training andapprenticeships

Thecompany works with awide rangeofemployersina number of differentindustriesand sectors, from smallfamily-runbusinessestolarge multinational organisations.

Mr Colbourneadded: “PTP is an

experiencedand qualityproviderofa wide rangeoftrainingsolutions forindividualsand employers.”

PTPhas aSearchand Select team whocan supportbusinesses andapplicants throughthe recruitmentprocess

Forfurther help andadvice, contact theSearchand Select team on 01922 651100 or e-mail info@ptp-training. co.uk.

WFC THE VENUE

pitchand thereisplentyoffreeparking.

Getintouch with theeventsteam whoare highly experiencedintailoringyourevent andproviding that all importantpersonaltouch to make it seamless from startto finish Checkout ourwebsite to seeour amazinggallery of events andmeetthe team behind theteam–www.wfcthevenue.co.uk

CHRISTMAS CONFERENCESPRIVATEEVENTS

AsoneofthelargestConference&EventsVenuesinthe WestMidlands,weprideourselvesonprovidingaunique spaceforalloccasions.Thiscombinedwithourexperienced eventsteam,istheperfectrecipeforyourevent!

Chiefexecutive RobColbourne

Thestadium hostsconferences