National Express West Midlands (formerly Travel West Midlands) is one such company who has a regular in-take of apprentices each year. They see the apprenticeship route as an important one into entering into the industry. They have around fifteen apprentices on programme each year across their eleven bus depots in the Midlands which service 1800 vehicles.
Each depot is responsible for the maintenance of around 140 vehicles. With an ageing workforce (aged on average at 45 years old) it has never been more important for National Express to ensure that young people with the right skills are employed and trained to avoid future skills gaps.
Popular Programmes
Not that they seem to have any problems recruiting, Nick Sorrill, Engineering Support Manager for Training and responsible for apprentices across the West Midlands said, “Our apprenticeships are really popular. We no longer have to advertise we are able to attract people just through word of mouth.”
“Although it is a predominantly male workforce we have three female apprentices one in our stores, a body maker and an electrician. All of our apprentices are trained to the level where they can hit the ground running and be a fully competent member of the team.”
Apprentices engaged on the programme go to college in blocks for one to two weeks every few months. Those who live close enough travel to and from college on a daily basis. However, those living further away are able to stay in host accommodation in Coventry close to the college.
Nick said, “Staying in digs is good in many ways. There is the obvious social side for the apprentices meeting up with others in the same boat but also because the college days are demanding with long hours they understand what it is like to be a responsible adult.”
Apprenticeships give employees the best of both worlds
Frances Mullally, Engineering Manager at Yardley Wood Bus Depot, whose father was also employed by the bus company said, “With apprenticeships you get the best of both worlds. Work gives them the opportunity to have a break from education and enables them to practice their skills in the workplace and the college side gives them a break from work and gives them the chance to compare notes with other apprentices.”
Inam Ul-Hussain, is just beginning the third year of his apprenticeship as a fitter. He said, “I am really enjoying my apprenticeship, it’s brilliant. I was really interested in lorries as a kid but when the opportunity came up here to work with buses I jumped at the chance. I haven’t looked back. I want to gain as much experience as I can and improve my practical skills.”
A proud track record
National Express is proud of their track record with apprentices and the retention of employees in general as there are very few leavers. Frances said, “You can’t buy that kind of loyalty. This company is very family oriented. We have some people working here whose children, wives and other relatives are also employed, as well as their parents and grandparents before them.”
Apprenticeships are recognised at every level of the business with even the Director of Engineering Standards being an ex-apprentice.
Nick Sorrill said, “We have been working with City College Coventry for around 10 years on the delivering of apprenticeship programmes and are really happy with the impact they have had on our business and how they have enabled individuals to progress with their careers.”