British independent construction materials company,
The company has launched an Apprenticeship Academy which is looking to appoint four new apprentices this year at its quarries at Dowlow near the town of Buxton, County Derbyshire, and Holme Hall, near Rotherham, County Yourksihire and its cement works in the Hope Valley, also County Derbyshire.
Industry experts are predicting a more buoyant time for the construction materials market and this is demonstrated through Hope’s significant investment in the academy. The apprenticeships offer an opportunity for flexible development throughout the business which manufactures cement, concrete, and aggregates right around the country.
Human resources director Jim Verity explains why Hope has launched the academy and what it offers to those joining the company.
“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, near Buxton and Holme Hall, near Rotherham. While 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.
“Through our partnerships with local educational organisations, the apprentices gain Higher National Apprenticeships. Once the apprentices 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 a good example of the strong culture of people development operated by Hope Construction Materials.
In 2013 he was one of five apprentices who were given recognition for their successful apprenticeship work, and was singled out as the Apprentice of the Year by his college SETA in Stockport, north-west England.
“Hope has 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.”
Hope says that the Apprenticeship Academy builds on the incredible success it has had since being formed on 7 January, 2013. The strong performance of Hope in the market, has already allowed the company to recruit on a regular basis, and the commitment to the Apprentice Academy is further evidence of Hope’s success and confidence in the future market.
