AJ’S TRAINING GOOD TO GO

AJ’s training Ltd has recently been approved onto the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers as a provider for the Fencing apprenticeship and Highways Maintenance Operatives apprenticeship.

Andy Williams, Managing Director of AJ’s training Limited, commented: “It has been a long journey to get to this point as we were trying to support colleges to also get involved over the last 6 years but with the way the industry works and the distance fencers need to travel to their workplace, the colleges could not offer a package that could work. “Whilst most people consider apprenticeships for new starters only, they are also designed to be used to upskill your current workforce. AJ’s training recognises that most fencing teams work in groups of two, both sharing a vehicle and normally living in close proximately to each other.

“Typically it is when the “labourers” are looking at moving out on their own they then complete the Fencing Diploma to achieve a Blue Skilled Fence Installer FISS/CSCS card. We recognise this from our deep involvement within the fencing industry as the norm so maybe companies can now consider using the apprenticeship to upskill their current “labourers” with the skills they need so when the time comes for them to set up their own team or to start working more independently.

“There is a possibility to upskill those who hold industry accreditation as technically they are also classed as unskilled personnel as they have not achieved the correct Fencing Diploma.

“This apprenticeship is probably going to be the normal method of employing new starters in the future. New starters can be given a contract that is only the length of the apprenticeship being 18 months. This means the employer is not contractually obliged to keep that person employed past the end date.

“Whilst the apprenticeship is on-going, the apprentice will complete many training courses which the employer would normally have to pay for taking away most of the financial burden of the training costs from the company. If the apprentices are not working out very well for the company they can be released from the contract, and it is the apprenticeships provider AJ’s Training duty to try to find them another company to re employ them to complete the apprenticeship. There is no financial charge to the employer!” added Andy.

apprenticeships@ajstraining.co.uk