Kier Stoke has recently taken on its latest batch of six apprentices taking the total number of young people it has supported to nearly 200 since 2009.

Working with PM Training, a local social enterprise training provider, Kier Stoke is able to offer a period of work experience through its supply chain of over 60 businesses, which could then be extended into an apprenticeship offer.

Kier Stoke is serious about investing in the future of its local community and workforce. The company recently demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the training and development of its staff by supporting one employee on a quantity surveying degree and two local electricians onto the Kier Foundation Degree in Integrated Maintenance and Facilities Services.

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Kier designed the bespoke foundation degree programme with Sheffield Hallam University to give participants broad knowledge of maintenance and facilities management activities. It includes modules on building environmental issues and services, management of support services and resources, and waste and recycling management. Seventeen employees from throughout Kier have enrolled onto the course.

Kier regional managing director, David Mawson, said: "Our apprenticeship scheme offers valuable opportunities for the youngsters providing them with hands-on experience to learn while on the job. We work closely with local schools to give the students a ‘heads–up’ in terms of career choices in construction for both boys and girls to let them know about the apprenticeship opportunities that exist. As a business, Kier Stoke recognises the importance of employing local labour and upskilling its workforce to support future growth within Stoke and supplying the skills needed to develop the future UK construction industry."

Aimed at both school leavers, and existing Kier staff with at least two years’ experience, the Kier Foundation Degree in Integrated Maintenance and Facilities Services is taught part-time over three years. It offers an invaluable combination of practical, on-the-job training in the workplace combined with classroom theory, which is taught in four, one-week residential blocks throughout each academic year.

(CD/GK)