Apprenticeships Work for UKATA on the run up to #NAW2018
On the run up to the 11th National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2018) on 5-9 March, Chesterfield Champions, The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) is celebrating the success of the scheme, as proof of this year’s theme of ‘Apprenticeships Work’
Chesterfield was named as the UK’s first official ‘Apprentice Town’ back in April 2017 and UKATA has supported the initiative from the start, recruiting several apprentices over the years to work in UKATA’s Markham Vale Headquarters. UKATA’s commitment to apprenticeships has a long history, with former Social Media apprentice Sasha Brailsford who started back in 2015, now promoted to Team Leader, overseeing the next generation of apprentices in the workplace.
“UKATA’s experience of apprenticeships has been overwhelmingly positive,” said UKATA General Manager Craig Evans. “We are proud of our involvement and would encourage other businesses to follow in our footsteps. A skilled workforce is essential and taking on apprentices is a great way to develop that, while providing a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop essential, practical skills on the job.”
In the wake of Sasha’s success, UKATA has three new apprentices; Max Floyde; Saffron Spencer and Leonie Hibberd, who started in October and November as Membership Assistants. All have begun their membership training and are showing tremendous aptitude when learning about the processes involved. As a former Derbyshire Times Business Person of the Year, Craig is keen to see SME’s in the region given the support and funding they need to develop, but also argues ahead of NAW2018 that those businesses that can, should back apprenticeships.
“What excites me is the potential here in Chesterfield for success and apprenticeships can form a big part of that,” added Craig. “Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 project are still on track and there is still time for this to bring in new business and investment to the region. Our apprentices have excelled over the years and UKATA would not have continued taking on apprentices if the Association was not getting something positive out of it too,” added Craig. “There are some talented young people in Chesterfield who just need businesses willing to give them the opportunity to prove it.”
