Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week (4-8 March 2019), Mecalac Construction Equipment UK Ltd has welcomed nine new apprentices to its Coventry manufacturing facility. Coming as part of an educational partnership with Derby College, the programme affirms Mecalac’s commitment to developing the workforce of tomorrow.

Each studying towards an NVQ in Performing Manufacturing Operations, the students have completed their classroom-based period and will now gain practical experience working across departments including ‘quality’ and ‘production’. Alongside supporting personal development and building real-world skills, the 12-month placement will provide hands-on experience and put academic theory into practice.

Gregg Horne, General Manager at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK Ltd, commented: “The biggest challenge facing the UK construction industry is undoubtably its skills deficit. Currently,  the recruitment of new talent is failing to keep up with the rate of retirement, which is limiting activity and increasing labour costs.

“At Mecalac, we wanted to tackle the issue head-on and, as such, have adopted a joined-up approach to improving skills and knowledge. Through our training initiatives, we target every stage of the education system – from primary schools right up to Universities. The programme even includes training modules for experienced employees to learn new skills and competences.

“Partnering with Derby College to offer practical training for post-GCSE students is a key part of this initiative. Alongside being paid for their time, candidates work towards achieving a City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate and Level 2 NVQ in Performing Manufacturing Operations at the end of the course.”

Mecalac’s vision is for more young construction professionals to enter the sector. Through training and education initiatives, the global leader in construction equipment design and manufacture aims to tackle the skills deficit and hopes that other businesses are inspired to follow suit.

For more information about Mecalac, or the company’s innovative portfolio of compact construction equipment, visit https://www.mecalac.com/en/.