This National Apprenticeship Week, we speak to Rachel Tonks about the importance of offering apprenticeships.

Our diverse range of apprenticeships are open to those at the beginning of their career along with those looking for continuous professional development.

Rachel says: “As a People Development - Business Partner, I work with colleagues to support their development plans. I work across all sectors to look at what training and development needs are required across our projects.

“I also coordinate what we deliver as a central business to our apprentices and our graduates. It’s a varied role that sees me working with people with diverse skills, backgrounds, and experiences.”

There are currently over 140 people completing apprenticeships across Sir Robert McAlpine, including engineers, QSs, and supervisors as well as accountants, HR, IT, Project Managers and Project Directors.

An apprenticeship involves working a full-time role with some time given to theoretical studies. The balance is carefully considered and those completing the apprenticeship are given support throughout.

Appetites for apprenticeships have changed so much over the years. I think now with university fees being what they are and the demand to have gained vocational experience, more young people are looking at apprenticeships as an option.

Rachel Tonks, People Development - Business Partner at Sir Robert McAlpine

In 2020, Sir Robert McAlpine introduced the Data Analyst Apprenticeship for existing employees. The apprenticeship is open to those interested in learning how to code, develop new apps and how to automate everyday processes. The apprenticeship has been well received, 15 individuals having completed the apprenticeship so far and nine more currently enrolled.

Rachel said: “Offering a range of apprenticeships to people across all stages of their careers is important for many reasons. But one of the things we’ve noticed is that having someone on an apprenticeship reporting to a senior leader who is also doing an apprenticeship is really valuable. There’s a mutual understanding of the work that goes into it.”

Did we mention to check out our social media channels this week?!

We'll be sharing National Apprenticeship Week content each day this week, so watch this space! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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