October 23, 2008

GSH STOKING UP ON APPRENTICES

Whilst many companies are shying away from training new talent during the credit crunch, Stoke-on-Trent based GSH Group is embracing the enthusiasm of today’s youth by taking on 14 new apprentices. They started in September 2008 at Stoke on Trent College, Burslem Campus.

The energy and facilities management company that provides services to large, international clients is working in partnership with BEST, the established specialist training provider for the building services engineering sector to deliver the two-year training scheme.

Apprentices from all parts of the UK will study NVQ level 2 Service & Maintenance – Heating and Ventilating, at Stoke on Trent College. The apprentice programme includes the Mechanical Engineering Services sector, routine maintenance, deactivating & reactivating systems, testing and fault diagnosis.

Chris McLain, Co-Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is the tenth year we have run the programme and have always understood the value of offering apprenticeships for GSH Group. We actively recruit and work hard to retain the best employees for the future and as a Stoke Headquartered company it is a fantastic opportunity to work in partnership with Stoke on Trent College to maintain this high quality of service. The apprentices will be part of the team from day one, building up all the skills needed over the four years.”

Despite some thinking in recent years that apprenticeships are a thing of the past, the recent skills shortage has led companies such as GSH to recognise the importance of investing in training programmes. This not only promotes staff development and retention but ensures future quality of client service, which is all the more important during this uncertain economic climate. With over 70 applicants for just 18 positions it seems that the demand for apprenticeships is higher than ever.

Martin Ball, Programme Manager for Building Engineering Services said: “I welcome GSH’s apprentices onto the college’s extensive apprenticeship programme and look forward to this being another successful partnership for Stoke-on-Trent College.”