Boulting Group welcomes cohort of new apprentices

Engineering solutions provider, Boulting Group has appointed seven new apprentices across their business as it continues to bridge the skills gap in the industry.

The multi-disciplined engineering solutions provider operates across a diverse range of industry sectors, both in the UK and internationally. The new apprentices have taken up positions in electrical installation, mechanical installation and the business’ panel shop in Penketh, Warrington.

Boulting’s apprenticeship programme has been designed to train and develop individuals to become skilled in and knowledgeable about their chosen profession. The programme, which can last up to four years depending on the position, offers challenging, varied and hands-on experience, allowing candidates to lay down strong and robust foundations for their future career.

Boulting Group has taken on seven apprentices as part of its plan to bridge the skills gap across the sector / Picture: Boulting Group

Each year, the company receives hundreds of speculative applications for apprentice and graduate roles. With support from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), Boulting Group has developed a rigorous recruitment process that includes an aptitude test that candidates must pass to demonstrate a proficiency in Maths and English.

“In April 2017, the government introduced the Apprenticeship Levy in a bid to tackle the growing skills gap,” said Lucy Speed, HR advisor at Boulting Group. “With a predicted shortfall of 1.8 million engineers by 2020, both the government and those working in the industry need to do their part.

“We have a long-standing commitment to investing in young talent. Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity not only for candidates who receive training and a job, but also businesses which can develop essential digital skills that they may be missing. This is becoming increasingly important in the advent of Industry 4.0.

“We’re delighted to have welcomed seven new apprentices to the Boulting family and will be watching their progress in earnest.”

After being accepted onto the programme, each candidate is provided a unique framework for their chosen career and a personalised learning and development plan that they work towards. They are also assigned both a mentor at Boulting Group and a training officer outside the company, who monitors their progress and ensures what they are learning as part of their chosen NVQ, is being demonstrated in the workplace.

Upon successfully completing the programme, apprentices obtain a NVQ Level 3 and have the opportunity to continue their career at Boulting Group. The majority of apprentices that join Boulting take on permanent roles, including Carl Gannon, quality co-ordinator and planning manager, Paul Scotland.

In 2017, Boulting Group apprentice, Robbie Stanley claimed two prestigious Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) awards in Manchester and the North West, a testament to the company’s dedication to training future engineers.