Apprenticeship recruitment drive at Lafarge Tarmac
Company marks National Apprenticeship Week with launch of programme to find 75 new apprentices
AS the UK celebrates National Apprenticeship Week (9–13 March), Lafarge Tarmac have launched their annual recruitment programme to find 75 new apprentices.
As part of the company’s commitment to supporting skills, inspiring young people and helping the UK construction industry develop a talented and diverse workforce, Lafarge Tarmac will be offering apprenticeship opportunities to youngsters across many of their 330 UK sites.
Commenting on the launch of the programme, Lafarge Tarmac’s chief executive officer Cyrille Ragoucy said: ‘We’re passionate about creating a lasting skills legacy. I believe that our commitment to learning and innovation means we are well placed to offer expert support and guidance to nurture skills and kick-start successful, high-quality careers. Our apprenticeships are a great opportunity for candidates to gain a nationally recognized qualification and develop practical experience in a dynamic industry.’
Skills Minister Nick Boles added: ‘Apprenticeships make absolute business sense while providing life-changing opportunities for young people across the country. I am, therefore, delighted that Lafarge Tarmac are to employ 75 new apprentices. I would urge employers of all sizes to follow Lafarge Tarmac’s lead and to consider how they can make apprenticeships part of their growth strategy.’
Opportunities at Lafarge Tarmac are available in a wide range of specialisms from mechanical and electrical apprenticeships, to lab technicians, management trainees and road operatives. The business will also be hiring six higher apprentices, who will be offered a work-based learning programme within the aggregates and quarrying business that leads to a nationally recognized qualification.
The apprenticeships will last for between one and four years with all recruits undertaking vocational training at a network of leading higher education colleges across the UK. They will also receive expert technical training in their chosen discipline and will be paid while they learn. Following successful completion of the programme, there will be the option of attending university.
James Malloy, a quantity surveyor apprentice who joined Lafarge Tarmac in 2012 and is currently reading Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at the University of South Wales, said: ‘The apprenticeship programme has transformed my life. It has provided me with solid vocational experience, improved my career prospects and helped me fulfil my lifetime ambition of attending university. Lafarge Tarmac have supported me throughout this journey and are helping me fulfil my potential.’
This is the second year of Lafarge Tarmac’s apprenticeship programme and forms part of the company’s wider recruitment focus, with a commitment to recruit up to 120 apprentices and graduates each year.
