Future-Proofing Workforce Through Apprenticeships
We recently had the opportunity to speak to Paul Worthington, Managing Director at HMS, to find out how apprentices have benefitted the organisation.
HMS is one of the largest building and maintenance contractors in Merseyside. Since its inception in 2011, HMS has seen rapid growth and now employs just under 700 staff members, including over 25 apprentices. Paul explained, “The scope of our organisation covers most construction-related disciplines and HMS sees apprenticeships as crucial in helping to develop the workforce and successfully grow the business.”
In August 2019, St Helens College assisted HMS in running an apprenticeship recruitment programme for 8 apprenticeship vacancies in various trades, including joinery, plastering, electrical and plumbing.
Speaking of his relationship with St Helens College, Paul said, “The College has been extremely supportive. We received over 800 applicants for the construction apprenticeship vacancies and the College helped sort through these applications to identify the most suitable candidates. We were then able to hold a hugely successful assessment day at the College, which allowed us to choose 8 talented apprentices to join our organisation.”
He adds, “This process was so popular, that we are hoping to do the same in March and September, so we constantly have an influx of new apprentices.”
Starting his working life as an apprentice himself, Paul has first-hand experience of the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship over other routes. He says, “I believe apprenticeships provide the right balance of practical craft skills, developed on the job, with the more academic theory, taught at College. We find that our apprentices become confident and skilled employees because of this combination.”
Speaking of how apprentices have had a positive impact on the entire workforce, Paul explained, “We have found that integrating our apprentices into established teams drives positivity through the whole workforce because of the new energy and different dynamics our apprentices bring. Our existing trade staff are given the opportunity to teach and mentor, which allows the workforce to constantly evolve and breeds a positive culture within the team.”
Paul strongly believes apprenticeships are a key training method and says, “I would definitely recommend hiring an apprentice to other organisations - they are the primary way of managing and future-proofing an effective workforce. Our apprenticeships also offer great employment opportunities to people in the local area.”
See what Paul had to say about working with St Helens College below and find out more about taking on an apprentice here.
