Apprenticeships building the future for 150-year-old company
Contracts director Joe McLaughlin and contracts manager Steve Rees from Andrew Scott Ltd.
As the longest established Welsh construction company, Andrew Scott Ltd has invested in Apprenticeship Programmes for more than 50 years and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020 by continuing to empower the next generation of skilled employees.
The Margam-based firm believes that commitment to training and development is the key to a successful future, and more than 200 staff across Wales are enjoying happy and sustained careers.
With several senior management positions now occupied by former apprentices, the company has a key business objective to maximise the ‘Welsh pound’ by recruiting local apprentices and training them for long-term careers.
It has also brought company loyalty, with the present workforce including third and fourth generations from the same families.
In recognition of the company’s commitment to apprenticeships, Andrew Scott Ltd has been shortlisted for the Medium Employer of the Year award at the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2021.
This annual celebration of outstanding achievement in training and apprenticeships will see 35 finalists compete in 12 categories for awards. The winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on April 29.
Highlight of the work-based learning calendar, the awards showcase businesses and individuals who have excelled on the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship and Traineeship Programmes and gone the extra mile to achieve success during these unprecedented times.
The awards are jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Openreach, the UK’s digital network business and passionate supporter of apprenticeships, has renewed its headline sponsorship of the awards.
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
“We have an annual intake of graduates, apprentices, trainees and work placements and are committed to providing opportunities at all levels to people from all backgrounds,” said Libby Jones, corporate social responsibility manager for Andrew Scott Ltd, which has recruited 20 apprentices since 2015.
“In addition to structured training programmes, we ensure continuous training and development for all our new and existing staff. Our self-delivery model requires us to ensure our staff are fully trained and possess an up-to-date knowledge of the latest industry developments.”
Alongside the direct Apprenticeship Programme, the company uses the Cyfle Shared Apprenticeship Scheme, which has helped to place more than 50 individuals. Apprentices are also placed through CITB Wales at Coleg Sir Gar and Neath Port Talbot College on Bricklaying, Carpentry and Civil Engineering Construction Operative courses.
Progress is monitored through regular meetings with training providers to identify and profile new apprenticeships and share constructive feedback to the quality of the training provided.
“Andrew Scott Ltd has always gone above and beyond to support training provision within the organisation, carefully selecting mentors for apprentices to ensure they reach their potential,” said Gareth David, training advisor at Coleg Sir Gar.
“The success could be defined from their inclusive nature, diversity and adaptability. It is this very definition that allows Andrew Scott’s apprentices to succeed and thrive.”
Minister for the Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “Our Apprenticeship and Traineeship Programmes are helping people fulfil their career ambitions and I’m delighted we have already reached our target of creating 100,000 apprenticeships in this Senedd term.
“This has been key in helping apprentices of all ages to gain important skills and experience that we know businesses across all sectors of the economy in Wales really need. This will be vital as we emerge from the pandemic.
“Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate and showcase the achievements of all involved, from star apprentices to skilled learning providers.
“I’d like to congratulate all the finalists announced for this year’s event and wish each and every one all the best for the future.”
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