As the UK celebrates the 14th National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February), Tarmac announces it is offering six apprenticeship opportunities at its Tunstead site in 2021.
There are three operations at the site, covering cement and lime manufacture and stone quarrying. This year Tarmac is offering six new apprenticeships, starting in September – four electrical, one mechanical and one Higher logistics position.
The theme of the 2020 National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’. It encourages everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers to build a workforce with future ready skills.
The challenges of the pandemic have not hampered the progress of 17-year-old Adam Poulton’s apprenticeship. Adam, who lives in Buxton, gives his personal view of his experience so far: “I have always been in to engineering, getting involved with Lego and robot clubs at school. But it was hearing about Tarmac from a neighbour that made me want to apply for the apprenticeship.
“I am in my first year of a four-year electrical apprenticeship. Whilst it has been a bit strange – starting this during a pandemic – it has not prevented me from progressing with my learning. I am based at home at the moment, with regular contact with my college and also with my Tarmac coaches. One of the things I am looking forward to when the restrictions lift and we are back in college properly is a planned ‘Robot Wars’ event. I will join four other Tarmac apprentices to put our training to the test as two teams competing against each other!
“I am also really looking forward to my second year when I will be mostly based at the Tunstead site, working with experienced team members and building my skills at the same time as being part of a busy team, manufacturing construction products for projects around the country.”
James Isaac, 21, from Tideswell is in his third year of an electrical apprenticeship at Tunstead. His original post-school plan was to go to University but the impact of a student loan put him off. “I am really pleased I took the decision to go for an apprenticeship,” he says. “My first year was college-based (Chesterfield College) with very practical classroom learning. Second and third years are mainly working at the Tunstead site. I have developed my problem-solving and technical skills working in various parts of the site on new installations and maintenance of a wide range of equipment.
“Working closely with the experienced teams here, I have learned loads. Tarmac gives me its full support to keep on track to complete my apprenticeship and I look forward to further training and career opportunities.”
Tarmac’s engineering services manager, Reg Gartside, who manages the apprenticeship recruitment programme, concludes: “In a year which has seen businesses face many challenges, we are particularly delighted to be able to continue to offer these opportunities at Tunstead. Our apprentices and graduates have personalised training and clear development that is tailored to their strengths and ambitions. We look forward to receiving applicants for this year’s intake and to welcoming the successful applicants into the Tarmac team.”
Each apprenticeship will last four years with all recruits undertaking a year of vocational training at Chesterfield College, as well as receiving expert technical on-site training in their chosen discipline. The apprentices work towards a NVQ level 3 Diploma (ONC).
And for those applying for a Tarmac apprenticeship, they are looking not only at a comprehensive 4-year scheme, but also beyond to the potential of an ongoing career with the company.
For more information about the Tunstead apprenticeships, contact Marion Markham on 01298 768267 or go to tarmaccareers.com
Tarmac is a member of the 5% Club, a movement of employers providing ‘earn and learn’ opportunities to develop the skills and talents people need to become more employable and create meaningful careers. For more information, please visit www.tarmaccareers.com.
Top image: Adam Poulton, first year electrical apprentice at Tarmac’s Tunstead site
In page image: James Isaac, third year electrical apprentice at Tarmac’s Tunstead site