As part of the 15-month Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship, students are splitting their time between classroom learning and gaining practical experience on live construction sites.
This includes being taught how to safely look after, maintain, and operate a range of plant, including excavators and ride-on-rollers.
The apprenticeship covers health, safety, welfare, and environmental requirements on site, as well as teaching students how site plans and work programmes are devised.
Each apprentice is being closely mentored, and will graduate with a Level 2 qualification and CPCS red card in up to four construction plant categories.
Apprentice, Bonnie Hill, aged 18, said:
“I’ve always wanted to work in construction, but wasn’t sure what was available to me at my age.
I was so pleased when I heard about this apprenticeship, because it meant I could start learning straight away and get the skills I need to feel confident applying for jobs.
It’s very practical and everyone on site helps out. I’m already operating a roller after getting my ticket this month, which I’m really enjoying.”
Anna-Maria McAuliffe, Director at McAuliffe Group, added:
“Wolverhampton has the country’s highest youth unemployment rate, so there’s a great opportunity for local businesses to make a difference.
This apprenticeship is giving students the skills they need to start their site careers right from graduation. We’re focusing our attention on a small cohort for now, but hope we can expand the programme to support more local people in future.”
