Apprenticeships key part of workforce strategy at award finalist BT

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Sandra Sexton, BT’s senior apprenticeship development manager, with apprentices.

Sandra Sexton, BT’s senior apprenticeship development manager, with apprentices.

One of the world’s leading communications services companies with a large presence in Wales is in contention to win a major award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2015.

BT, which says Apprenticeships are a key part of its workforce strategy, is one of three finalists in the Macro Employer of the Year category at the high profile awards ceremony to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Thursday, October 29.

The coveted awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have exceeded expectations, shown a dynamic approach to training and demonstrated initiative, enterprise, innovation, creativity and commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Welsh economy.

Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and media partner is Media Wales. The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.

Offering a broad range of roles within the company, BT relies on employees having the right skills, experience and knowledge. Over the past three years alone, more than 600 BT learners have successfully completed an Apprenticeship in Wales.

A total of 2,298 apprentices have been recruited over the past five years, of which more than 96 per cent have achieved their full Apprenticeship. They work in a broad range of roles, from business administration, learning and development, to financial services, HR, sales and telecoms, with the Apprenticeships being delivered by Acorn Learning Solutions.

With the delivery of superfast fibre broadband to 96 per cent of homes in Wales in partnership with the Welsh Government, investment in apprentices has increased and at least 100 more will be recruited over the next three years in addition to its usual intake.

“We treat apprentices as valuable employees from day one,” said Bob Soper-Dyer, head of BT’s Apprenticeship Programme. “BT’s business strategy relies on having the right skills, experience and knowledge in the right place at the right time, ready for action. Our apprentices are a key part of that workforce strategy.”

BT says the Apprenticeship programme helps to ensure increased productivity and apprentices are encouraged to work within the wider community through volunteering and secondment to ensure a broader view on work and life.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James congratulated BT and the other 36 award finalists. “We have some truly exceptional apprentices here in Wales and the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provide a perfect platform for us to celebrate their hard work and achievements,” she said.

“Equally important are the training providers and employers who go the extra mile to support their apprentices. Developing skilled young people is vital for our economy. The Welsh Government is committed to training programmes such as Apprenticeships but investment must be a shared responsibility with the education sector, businesses and individuals.”

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