Hope Construction Materials launches Apprenticeship Academy

Britain’s leading independent construction materials company, Hope Construction Materials is on the lookout for new talent to join its GBP300m (EUR369m) business in the Derbyshire and Yorkshire area of the UK.

The company has launched an Apprenticeship Academy which is looking to appoint four new apprentices this year at its quarries at Dowlow near Buxton and Holme Hall near Rotherham, and its cement works in the Hope Valley.
 
Industry experts are predicting a more buoyant time for the construction materials market and this is demonstrated through Hope’s significant investment in this Academy.
 
Human Resources Director Jim Verity explains why Hope has launched this Academy and what it offers to those joining the company: “We are committed to developing the 850 employees we have in our business, and we also want to expand this pool of talent by bringing apprentices on board. This year we are excited to be launching our Academy and offering three four-year electrical and mechanical schemes; and one two-year technical scheme.

“Once recruited, the apprentices will be based at four of our sites: Hope Works (the largest cement works in the country which produces around 1.4Mta each year); and our limestone quarries at Dowlow, near Buxton and Holme Hall, near Rotherham. Whilst they will be based at these sites, they will have the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of our business by taking part in projects in other areas of the business and also in local community events.
 
“Through our partnerships with local educational organisations, the apprentices gain Higher National Apprenticeships. Once the apprentices have completed their training successfully, they have the potential to be offered a permanent job and long-term career prospects with the company. We hope that the Academy will help us identify people with the potential to be future leaders in our business.”
 
Current apprentice, Charles Cone, based at the Hope Works, is an example of the culture of people development operated by Hope Construction Materials. In 2013 he was one of five apprentices who were given recognition for their successful apprenticeship work. Charles was singled out as the Apprentice of the Year by his college SETA in Stockport. He comments: “Hope has a very good track record for recruiting and developing apprentices who then go on to develop their careers in the business. I am pleased to be part of this apprentice team and look forward to working with the new group once they are appointed.”

The Apprenticeship Academy builds on Hope’s success since being formed on 7 January 2013. Its strong performance to-date has enabled the company to recruit on a regular basis. The commitment to the Apprentice Academy is further evidence of Hope’s confidence in the future market.
 
For more information about the apprenticeships, visit: www.hope-careers.com