Ian Williams joined thousands of other businesses across the UK to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2020, holding its fourth Qualification Celebration Lunch (QCL). During the formal presentation ceremony in Bristol, apprentices, trainees and staff achievers came together with representatives from across the organisation to receive individual awards, hear presentations from leaders of the Ian Williams Academy and guest speaker, Clare Fearnley from the CITB, and collectively applaud the hard work undertaken to achieve qualifications.
Sian Pearce, Ian Williams’ Training and Development Manager comments on the event: “The annual QCL brings together everyone who has gained a qualification through the Ian Williams Academy, along with their managers and mentors to celebrate their achievements, say thank you and formally recognise the important contribution they make not only to Ian Williams, but to the future of the construction and property industry as a whole.
“Putting the dedication and hard work of our achievers under the spotlight during the QCL is great fun. It also firmly underlines Ian Williams’ commitment to our pledge that 10% of our total workforce is made up of apprentices, who join us with a structured training and development plan and huge amounts of support from The Academy. This year alone, The Academy has delivered some 3,500 days of training and personal development, helping to keep our 59 trade apprentices, 30 trainee surveyors and 4 staff apprentices on track to achieve their potential.
“None of our apprenticeships would be possible without the huge amount of support individuals get from their Mentors. This year, we were delighted to announce that our Apprentice Mentor of the Year 2020 went to Steve Wakefield in recognition of his commitment to helping his apprentices be the very best they can be. Steve mentored our electrical apprentice, Jacob Eadsforth. In a video interview on the day, Jacob said that, thanks to his training, he feels confident to complete any task he is set, which is a great accolade to Steve and his team. Click here to see Jacob’s full interview
“Amongst the five apprentices who completed their training this year was Painter and Decorator, Emily Walker. Emily whole-heartedly recommends an apprenticeship with Ian Williams and praised the support of her peers in helping her to gain her qualification, whilst learning on-the-job.
“We also celebrated 5 Surveyors who completed the Trainee Surveyor programme. Nicola Nash started her journey with Ian Williams in business support and transitioned to become a Surveyor in Wiltshire thanks to the support of her team. Click here to see Nicola’s full interview.
“Henry Bartlett is still in the programme, but attended the to celebrate obtaining a HNC in Quantity Surveying with a Distinction – no mean feat!
“Last but certainly not least are the two members of the Ian Williams Health, Safety & Environment team, Mark Pollard and Paul Doran, who have achieved formal qualifications to support their key roles in the business and ensure the RoSPA Gold and President Award winning department goes from strength to strength.
Sian concludes: “Apprenticeships provide a route into the construction industry. With so many rewarding career opportunities in construction there is something out there for everyone who is prepared to gain new experiences, work hard and look beyond to their future.”
If this sounds like you, keep an eye on our website as our apprenticeship vacancies go live on 9th March and trainee surveyor vacancies on 30th March 2020.”
