Aggregate Industries has launched its 2023 apprenticeship scheme as part of the UK National Apprenticeship Week.
The major UK construction materials supplier, which has its headquarters at Coalville, Leicestershire, and sites across the country,is seeking to recruit 76 this year, building towards a total of 200 active roles across the business.
Apprenticeships allow people in the early part of their careers to earn while they learn and provide the opportunity to gain qualifications and practical experience within a business.
Two types of qualification will be offered: Higher Apprenticeships, which require A-levels or the equivalent of 80 UCAS points, and Advanced Apprenticeships, which require five GCSEs.
The company offers Higher Trainee Manager Apprenticeships in Mineral Products Technology with the University of Derby. We are also offering a Higher Commercial Apprenticeship with partner Mercuri.
Advanced Apprenticeships on offer are:
- Laboratory and Materials Technician with provider Tiro
- Engineering with Make UK
Andy Swinnerton, Managing Director for the Aggregates division and company lead for Apprenticeships, said: “We are a progressive business and want to attract the next generation of our workforce to come and be part of a great company.
“It is well documented that across the construction industry we have an ageing workforce, and there remains huge demand to fill roles.
“Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity for people in the early part of their career to learn new skills through getting hands-on experience while backing that up with a qualification. Younger workers can bring in fresh ideas and digital skills.
“A key driver for our business is sustainability. We have a clear mission to decarbonise the construction industry, make our own operations greener, build new from old and better with less, and promote green growth – we know this is something that really resonates with the younger generation and is important to them when making career decisions.
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming our next generation of colleagues during 2023.”
Sarah Howarth recently completed her Mineral Products Technician Higher Apprenticeship with partnerthe University of Derby. She is now a Trainee Assistant Quarry Manager at Aggregate Industries’ Westleigh Quarry in Tiverton.
She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship. It was a fantastic opportunity to get into the industry and explore different aspects of quarrying and the wider mineral products sector. There are some great benefits to completing an apprenticeship, such as earning while you learn, kick-starting your career and working and learning alongside industry experts.
“I chose to follow the Mineral Extraction pathway. However, there are plenty of other pathways, such as concrete, cement, and asphalt. I love to be out on-site in a hands-on environment, so this Higher Apprenticeship allowed me to do this while carrying on my education.
“My advice for anyone considering doing an apprenticeship of any level or any pathway is to take every opportunity you can and choose something you enjoy.”
Jedd Castledine is a first-year Electrical Engineering apprentice. He is conducting learning blocks with partner Make UK in Birmingham and returning to site at Hulland Ward to learn about the business. He said: “Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to train up for what you want to be. I’ve found it much better than going to college to do a general qualification. What I like about it is you get experience of working on-site, and you get an opportunity to have a job afterwards.
“It’s less about being stuck just in a classroom and more about getting out and doing some hands-on work. You get the chance to get more involved, and also you earn.”
Zac Baker is a first-year Mechanical Engineering apprentice based at Cauldon. He said: “I’ve found it’s a much better alternative to university because you don’t have to deal with the debt. You get just as good a qualification at the end, and you’re being paid at the same time.”
National Apprenticeship Week runs between February 6-12, and this year’s theme is Skills for Life.
For more information about opportunities with Aggregate Industries, visit the company’sCareers webpages.
