INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT SIMON ACRES GROUP CAREERS DAY
Representatives from across the industry came together to attend the Simon Acres Careers Day and support the drive to raise awareness and knowledge about how to attract more apprentices into the KBB and merchant industry.
With a focus on delivering answers and solutions, the audience heard from a wide range of speakers involved in apprenticeship programmes.
Quooker MD Stephen Johnson outlined the commitment that his company makes to young people, he said, “Building a young and dynamic workforce will take our industry to new heights.”
David Barker from the Association of Apprentices, outlined the support they provide to apprentices and how companies can support them. Kerry Wilson from the BMF talked about the apprenticeship programme they deliver via LEAP and explained how the costs are largely covered for levy payers, or by 95% grants from government for non-levy payers.
Alex Glasner from training provider, Workpays explained why they only work with companies that commit to paying apprentices at least the National Living wage, or those that pay more to encourage retention. Kasim Choudry from the Pathway Group covered the work they do to bring diversity and inclusion into apprenticeship programmes.
The presentations concluded with a passionate presentation from Damien Walters, BiKBBI. He encouraged everyone to support the drive for more apprentices in order to create an industry that is the best, to drive forward change and improve standards. He said, “Today is the day to take action.”
The event concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A with the four sponsors; Quooker, Der Kreis, MKM and LEAP Apprenticeships.
Everyone that attended left with an Industry Ambassador certificate and a wealth of information about how to go about finding and employing apprentices.
The event host, Simon Acres Group Sales Director Jordan Burns said, “We are so grateful to everyone that supported this event and contributed to make it such a success. We want to harness the energy and positivity from the day to keep up the momentum, and bring about positive change.”