We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Gold ‘Excellent Employer’ status for the MAKE UK Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Kitemark. This status is awarded to a small minority of companies that incorporate best industry practice and have a high satisfaction score from their apprentices.
The VWT UK apprenticeship scheme is offered in partnership with MAKE UK – an organisation that is dedicated to improving manufacturing processes across the UK. MAKE UK credits the best engineering apprentice employers with a gold kitemark, which is primarily based on the feedback of the company’s existing apprentices.
Status is not granted easily. Companies undergo a 12-month benchmarking period, continuous integration (CI) and an accreditation process before being awarded. VWT UK is one of the few engineering and manufacturing companies in the UK to achieve this gold standard.
VWT UK has recently started to offer an apprenticeship programme, available to school leavers or individuals who are looking at a change in their career direction and considering a next step in the field of engineering. Those who enrol attend practical and theoretical training at the MAKE UK facility in Aston, Birmingham, whilst also receiving additional coaching and mentoring from our experts.
VWT UK apprentices will learn key skills such as how to maintain mechanical devices and equipment, fluid power equipment and electrical equipment as well as how to produce components using hand fitting techniques. The apprenticeship course also includes learning about wiring and testing units. Furthermore, all applicants are given training in health and safety, communication, mathematics, engineering drawing as well as mechanical and electronic principles.
At the end of the course, all VWT UK apprentices are awarded a B-TEC diploma qualification in addition to the apprenticeship. What’s more, they have the option to continue their professional development with a degree-level apprenticeship.
‘The apprenticeship has definitely exceeded my expectations from the equipment I've used to the people I've met and also how helpful and supportive Veolia have been.’ said Brennan Read - Apprentice Service Engineer. ‘I would recommend an apprenticeship with Veolia Water Technologies UK as I believe the support network they offer is brilliant. As a company, you can see they have a genuine interest to invest in you and your future. I have learnt so many new skills, met great people and also have a clear career path, for me, it's a no-brainer.’
Ultimately, the combination of both MAKE UK’s experience and VWT UK’s market position ensures that the apprenticeship scheme can provide talented individuals with a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop. Not only does this benefit the apprentice, but it also benefits VWT UK and the wider industry, which gains new, highly skilled employees.
Click here to learn more about the VWT UK Apprenticeship Scheme
Author | Anna D'Eath
Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Veolia Water Technologies UK
