Why did your company choose to offer apprenticeships?
J Tomlinson chose to offer apprenticeships as a way of upskilling our present workforce and enabling us to attract new talent into our business.
We are operating in difficult times and NTU has a great reputation within construction so we are happy to have our employees study and develop there.
When did you start implementing apprenticeships?
We have had apprenticeships in our company for a very long time due to the nature of our work apprenticeships have always been key to our success.
What impact have apprentices had on your business?
They have brought fresh new ideas and different perspectives. In an industry which often suffers for its lack of diversity this has helped us attract diversity of thought and it have been great for the apprentices to apply their learning in the workplace.
It also has a wider impact on the team where they are trying to help and develop our apprenticeships which can give great job satisfaction.
Has the partnership with NTU enhanced your apprenticeship program? If so, how has it done this?
NTU have been great in onboarding our new apprentices. As a local employer it was important to us to pick the correct university.
Many of our current staff are ex NTU students.
Would you recommend apprenticeships to other businesses? If yes, why?
Apprenticeships offer a different way to learn, you are able to earn whilst you learn as well enabling you to have the best of both worlds.
I would say its not easy though, working, studying and having a life is not easy but it’s not impossible and its really rewarding being recognised for learning at work. With a degree apprenticeship you will be rewarded with a good degree, and five years work experience and we will pay you university fees. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn whilst not coming out of university with a lot of debt.
Would you recommend NTU’s apprenticeship provision? If yes, why?
Yes, the contact we have is exceptional, always happy to help. We are looking forward to our next cohort starting with you in September!
To learn more about apprenticeships at NTU, please contact apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.