Apprentices and training action plan

Purpose of the training action plan:

• To provide opportunities for people who aspire to work in the industry;
• To provide a variety of routes through which people can develop their skills;
• To attract young people into a career in the construction industry.

At the Victory Pier site the following measures were implemented:

• A link was established with Mid Kent College and Apprentice week was attended and mock interviews conducted;
• Site visits from the logistics team at The Royal Engineers;
• Visited schools and promoted the construction industry and also arranged for local schools to visit the site;
• Provided work experience during the summer months for 6 apprentices (2 no mechanical, 2 no electrical, façade and a joiner);
• Set targets for placing apprentices and provided training during the tender stage;
• Supported subcontractors by meeting targets for placement opportunities from Mid Kent College;
• All members of the workforce were assessed and provided with personal development plans. This gave individuals the opportunity to develop and realise their potential;
• Monitored and shared best practice with other divisions;
• Employed a teacher to teach English as a foreign language to workers with poor English language skills. This was for 20 people twice a week.

Benefits of offering apprenticeship and training opportunities include:

• Encouraging a highly skilled workforce for the future;
• Retaining and developing the existing workforce;
• Offering employment opportunities to young people / unemployed;
• Aiding workers with English as a foreign language, which could potentially lead to better job prospects;
• Easing communications on site and improve safety through the avoidance of misunderstandings.