Why do we train?

I consider myself lucky.

I was one of the few young people, who, in the dark days of the eighties recession was given a chance of an Apprenticeship. Well actually a “Youth Training Scheme” or YTS, as it became known.

Those of you old enough to remember YTS will recall that it was a hybrid version of an apprenticeship with some volunteer work.  There was pay (well, of sorts) and a mix of “on the job” and College” training, but it was far watered down from what could be classed as an old style apprenticeship.

Nevertheless I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and over the next 30 years I’ve forged a great career for myself in an industry I love. But what has changed in construction training and how can we make it even better, whilst recognising our social and moral responsibilities?

Apprenticeships and development at Longworth

At Longworth, we have developed a passion for bringing through apprentices and trainees, working towards NVQ’s and in some cases degree level education. We’ve worked tirelessly with industry bodies such as the CITB, FTMRC, LSA and the North West Independent Roof Training Group. Working together we can develop and continually improve the quality of courses and the wider environment of a team members training.

We promote coaching on a one to one basis.  Our apprentices are invited into our own academy facility regularly.  This allows even more direct focused training on real size roof and wall mock ups. We can then practice these details before undertaking them in the ‘real world’.  This encourages confidence in our trainees that can then be developed into an even higher standard.

Richard Branson once said “Train your people well enough that they can leave – Treat them well enough so they don’t want to”

We embrace this philosophy wholeheartedly at Longworth. Our passion for training and developing the next generation will never cease. Not only for the continued development of Longworth’s as a business, but also because of our understanding of our social responsibility. Reinvestment in society and the young people who are tomorrow’s craftsman and professionals is our constant goal.

This is Longworth’s unwavering commitment to our team, our clients, our industry and society as a whole.  I was lucky at being given a chance myself 30 years ago, so this is a promise I can make with absolute sincerity.

Paul Smith