Jones Bros has welcomed news that apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing technologies are becoming more popular with employers and young people.
Figures from the National Apprenticeship Service released this month reveal a 15pc increase in sector vacancies posted on the apprenticeship website between August and October 2013, compared to the same period the previous year – 3,930 vacancies were advertised over the three months versus 3,410 in 2012.
Online applications in engineering and manufacturing technologies also increased by 5pc to 60,490, with every vacancy attracting an average of 15 applications.
Jones Bros has been at the forefront of quality apprenticeship training for decades, with the family firm doubling its intake last year, recruiting 15 apprentices.
The apprenticeship scheme for plant operators run by Jones Bros enables trainees to gain valuable experience on a range of high profile projects in a range of sectors including renewable energy, waste management facilities and flood and marine defences.
Huw Jones, managing director of Jones Bros, said: “We are delighted to see an increase in the popularity of engineering apprenticeships as this is an area we have been championing for many years.
“We appreciate the value of giving skills to future generations and, because we have always invested in apprentice training, we benefit from a highly-trained, committed and loyal workforce.
“An increase in apprentices will hopefully fill a skills gap, which the industry has become increasingly concerned about.”
The plant operator apprentices undertake an 8-10-week course before going out to one of the company’s many sites across the UK, under the close supervision of mentors, to hone their skills further.
Apprentices at Jones Bros complete their course at the company’s purpose-designed training centre, near to its headquarters in Ruthin, North Wales, rather than having to travel to a national training college in Norfolk.
Trainees undergo Foundation Modern Apprenticeships and achieve their NVQ Level 2 as part of the award. The company runs its scheme through Construction Skills Wales and advertises the vacancies on its website, in the local press and through Careers Wales.
Training manager Huw Isaac Williams said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is extremely highly valued and I don’t believe there is another one like it in the UK.
“We are really looking forward to working with our new recruits and are delighted to have doubled the numbers of young people we employ.