Graduate Apprenticeships - an employer's view
You know about apprenticeships and degrees, but what about graduate apprenticeships? A combination of the two, graduate apprenticeships offer on-the-job experience with an industry-recognised degree at the end of it.
P&M Sinclair Ltd, a Scottish building company, share the benefits of the GA programme for their business and the candidates alike.
Can you provide some background to your company?
P&M Sinclair Ltd is a long established, reputable building and construction company, operating throughout Scotland and across the UK. We employ approximately 70 people across a range of trades and professions.
We undertake all aspects of construction including general building works, maintenance and repair works, groundworks, demolitions, structural alterations, renovations and also bespoke, new build projects. We specialise in complex structural building works which often require innovative solutions to realise detailed concepts in design.
Why did you decide to go down the Graduate Apprenticeship route?
We saw the Graduate Apprenticeship as an opportunity to train our existing staff to degree level, whilst retaining their involvement in our day-to-day work operations. Being a small company, this model works well within our current capacity, and provides an excellent opportunity to develop our staff.
What appealed to you most about Heriot-Watt University as the GA provider?
Heriot Watt is a world leading university, at the forefront of Graduate Apprentice provision, and we are fortunate to have Heriot Watt on our doorstep! The professionalism of the Heriot Watt Graduate Apprentice team was evident from the outset, and we have developed a good working relationship with the team.
In what way has the candidate contributed to the workplace / business?
Craig is progressing well, despite the challenges that the coronavirus restrictions have had on his university experience. He is showing focus and enthusiasm to his studies, and through this, is building knowledge and skills to apply in the workplace.
How do you feel about the apprentice’s future?
We feel positive about Craig’s future at P&M Sinclair, and the opportunities that having a degree from Heriot Watt will open up for both us and for him.
Based on your experience of the Graduate Apprenticeship programme would you happily employ another Graduate Apprentice in the future?
The Graduate Apprenticeship programme has been an important part of staff training and development. Once Craig has completed his programme, we would hope to be in a position to employ another Graduate Apprentice, as we grow and develop our existing workforce.
Read our article on Craig, the Graduate Apprentice, here - including why the Graduate Apprenticeship route was the perfect way for him to start his successful career in construction.