Driving Norfolk skills agenda with new highways apprentices

OUR PEOPLE

We recruited six new apprentices in Norfolk as part of our ongoing commitment to develop skills and create employment opportunities for local people. The six apprentices were enrolled on an 18-month programme that is providing them with a combination of vocational education at our national training centre, and practical on-site training across Norfolk from experienced technical experts. Aged between 17 and 24 years old, all of the local new recruits are gaining experience of the day to day work we carry out to maintain Norfolk’s 6,000 miles of county roads.

Commenting on the new arrivals, Paul Fleetham, managing director for our Contracting business, said: “We are passionate about nurturing new talent and providing high-quality career opportunities in construction both for new and existing employees, so I was delighted to welcome our new recruits in Norfolk to Tarmac. As part of our ongoing commitment to skills we hope to inspire local young people into construction and help to deliver a lasting skills legacy in the county. Through our long-term partnership with Norfolk County Council we are pleased to be investing in both the future of our business and the local community.”

The additions to the team follow a 2014 apprentice intake in Norfolk of eight. They are part of our wider apprenticeship programme which has welcomed more than 150 young people from across the UK since 2014. Two of the new starters, Kaine Bentley, 19 from Gorleston, and Ben Dunning, 19 from Norwich, originally came to us through a work experience programme organised by The Prince’s Trust and had such an enjoyable time that they each successfully applied for the full-time apprenticeship scheme.

Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council’s chairman of the environment, transport and development committee, said: “Working for a business, learning on the job while also gaining an industry recognised qualification provides invaluable career opportunities and is a great way for young people to boost the skills that employers really want. I am very pleased that our long term contract relationship with Tarmac is providing real opportunities for young people in Norfolk.”

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