Construction firm lays the foundations for growth through apprenticeships

Stanley-based Hodgson-Sayers currently has 16 apprentices through a range of roof slate and tile, and built-up-felt roofing apprenticeships with Newcastle College.

Such is its commitment to the training of its people that Hodgson Sayers won the apprenticeship category in the 2015 North East Business Awards and then went on to win the People Development and Company of the Year Awards at the British Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Over ten percent of its current workforce is made up of young apprentices aiming to forge their career within the industry. Working alongside the College, the company aim to not only support the new recruits but to also help shape the roofing curriculum to ensure it meets industry demand.

The apprentices spend the majority of their time on site learning on the job skills at Hodgson-Sayers, whilst attending the College’s Construction Academy at Walker in eight week intervals at regular periods throughout the year to complete their technical training.

Glyn Neasham, regulatory affairs manager at Hodgson Sayers, said: “It is vital that we invest in the future of the construction industry and particularly the future of Hodgson Sayers. We have a vision through our apprenticeship programme, that with the right investment from us and support from our training providers we can greatly improve our standards whilst having a positive impact on the apprentices we employ.

“We are very happy to be establishing this partnership with Newcastle College and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship. It is our youngsters that are the future of the construction industry and that is why it is important to us that a strong partnership is achieved. This will ensure that our apprentices have the correct skills to help drive us forward, benefitting the business for years to come.”

Newcastle College is one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the region. Working closely with employers the College aim to tailor each apprenticeship so that it meets their business requirements.

Paul Taylor, curriculum leader at Newcastle College said: “We’re developing a strong relationship with Hodgson-Sayers, and we have expanded our apprenticeship provision with them to include their bricklaying apprentices. We truly value the emphasis they place on apprenticeships within their business.

“We aim to tailor our training to the finest detail to ensure employers maximise the training on offer. The apprentices we’ve placed through the company are thoroughly enjoying their training and all are looking forward to an exciting future with such a reputable company.”

For more information about apprenticeships or the range of courses available at Newcastle College, visit www.newcastlecollege.co.uk or contact 0191 200 4000.