Tarmac celebrate PODP success
Thirty apprentices complete the company’s Professional Operator Development Programme
THIRTY Tarmac apprentices are celebrating the successful completion of the company’s industry-leading Professional Operator Development Programme (PODP). Impressively, nine of the participants achieved a distinction in their course marks, despite a challenging year for group learning due to COVID-19.
The PODP is designed around the mineral processing mobile and static plant operator apprenticeship qualification and supports those in their first industry roles, as well as colleagues keen to develop new skills to progress in their careers.
Tarmac’s Learning and Development team quickly adapted to Covid-secure working by introducing online working to supplement appropriate and safe face-to-face training so that studies could continue.
Matt Gibbs, Tarmac’s senior operational training manager, said: ‘We’re particularly proud of our apprentices who have completed qualifications in an unusually challenging year. By adapting our programme and including more regular check-ins with learners we were able to support both their ongoing education and their general well-being.
‘We’re extremely proud of our teams for enabling this important professional development activity to continue, as well as all those who have performed so well to complete the course.’
The PODP programme covers topics designed to enhance professional understanding of the industry, equipment and safety, such as risk assessment and the correct maintenance of plant and equipment. It is delivered through a series of workshops, e-learning modules and practical on-the-job training.
Tarmac offer a wide range of professional development and training initiatives – irrespective of age and experience – aimed at creating a highly skilled workforce to support the delivery of the UK’s infrastructure ambitions. Apprenticeships, graduate schemes, employee development programmes have all played a key part in the company’s ongoing commitment to skills.
