Hope Construction Materials launch Apprenticeship Academy

Company on the lookout for four new apprentices in the Derbyshire and Yorkshire area

HOPE Construction Materials, Britain’s leading independent construction materials company, have launched an Apprenticeship Academy and are on the lookout for new talent to join their £300 million business in the Derbyshire and Yorkshire area. The company is looking to appoint four new apprentices this year at its quarries at Dowlow, near Buxton, and Holme Hall, near Rotherham; and its cement works in the Hope Valley.

Explaining why Hope have launched the Academy and what it offers to those joining the company, Human resources director Jim Verity said: ‘We are committed to developing the 850 employees we have in our business, and we also want to expand this pool of talent by bringing apprentices on board. This year we are excited to be launching our Academy and offering three four-year electrical and mechanical schemes; and one two-year technical scheme.

‘Once recruited, the apprentices will be based at three of our sites: Hope Works (the largest cement works in the country which produces around 1.4 million tonnes each year); and our limestone quarries at Dowlow and Holme Hall. Whilst they will be based at these sites, they will have the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of our business by taking part in projects in other areas of the business and also in local community events.’

Mr Verity continued: ‘Through our partnerships with local educational organizations, the apprentices will gain Higher National Apprenticeships. Once they have completed their training successfully, they have the potential to be offered a permanent job and long-term career prospects with the company. We hope that the Academy will help us identify people with the potential to be future leaders in our business.’

Current apprentice Charles Cone, who is based at Hope Works, is one of five apprentices who, in 2013, were given recognition for their successful apprenticeship work. Singled out as the Apprentice of the Year by his college, SETA, in Stockport, Mr Cone commented: ‘Hope have a very good track record for recruiting and developing apprentices who then go on to develop their careers in the business. I am pleased to be part of this apprentice team and look forward to working with the new group once they are appointed.’