This year the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week takes place between the 4th and 8th March and Briggs are celebrating a record number of staff in apprenticeship schemes throughout the UK. Apprenticeships enable a fast-track route into a chosen career and allow the Company to grow its own local talent by further developing an engaged, skilled and highly qualified workforce.
Briggs currently employs 19 apprentices in England and five in Scotland. There is no age limit on applications, and those engaged on the schemes come from all areas of the business. The programme offers excellent progression for staff who want long-term career growth in the Company.
Briggs’ Operations Director Iain Ross said “We are delighted that our apprenticeship programme has grown exponentially this year. It’s a great way for people of all ages to earn while they learn in a job and gain widely respected qualifications. Employing Apprentices and developing existing staff through Apprenticeship schemes is an essential part of our plans to continue to develop our engaged, skilled and highly qualified workforce.”
In England, Briggs has four members of staff undertaking their Chartered Management Degree either at the University of Chester or at Solent University.
Andy Robertson, Briggs Training & Competency Manager said “University staff have gone above and beyond to help Briggs Managers get started on their journey to Chartered Manager status. and assisting the Company during the set-up of the Briggs’ Management Apprenticeship Programme. I look forward to strengthening relationships over the coming years and I’m confident Briggs and our Clients will benefit from the skills our Managers will gain.”
Also, in England, Briggs staff are pursuing Team Lead/Supervisor qualifications, Business Administration and Workboat Apprenticeships.
In Scotland, where the Government scheme is different, the Company employs five Modern Apprentices across the business, in roles ranging from procurement to plant maintenance.
The Apprentices’ study whilst also being paid to learn on-the-job and gain valuable work experience. Each new apprentice also receives regular help and advice.
Connor Easdale, IT Apprentice at Briggs’ Head Office in Fife said “I chose to do an apprenticeship as I get specialised training in a subject that really interests me. I’ll have valuable and recognised credentials and it’s great to work for a Company as diverse as the Briggs Group.”
Briggs has employed many successful Apprentices over the years, including Jamie Campbell, who started work as an Apprentice Plant Mechanic and Oil Spill Operator with the Company in August 1999. 20 years later he is Operations Manager of Briggs’ Environmental Services. Jamie said, “During my apprenticeship I learned on the job and attended college – it was great to have the combination of practical and academic learning. It’s great to work for a company that invests in their staff.”