Building Engineering Services Training(BEST),a leading training provider for the heating and ventilating,air conditioning and refrigeration(HVACR)and plumbing sectors is urging employers to recruit apprentices now to capture the highest calibre of potential learners,and avert an impending skills crisis facing the industry.
Employers need to be on the look out for apprentices in May,when young people are considering their career path prior to concluding secondary education in the summer.
BEST’s Business Development Manager,Linda Webb,said:“School leavers are faced with an abundance of career choices.If we,the HVACR and plumbing industries,do not approach potential apprentices directly after they finish secondary education we lose out to other industries who get there first.
“If companies do not recruit apprentices and cannot overcome their skill shortages and skills gap,the result will be reduced earnings, lower profits and a curtailment of expansion plans.”
Employers also need to make provision in their 2005/6 business plan for apprentice recruitment.While BEST services are free,the apprentice’s basic salary and contribution to off the job training, depending on funding available,must be taken into consideration when company budgets are reviewed.
The value of apprenticeships to businesses should not be underestimated.Training an apprentice within a company provides a strong foundation to the staff base and demonstrates commitment to the future development of both the business and the industry.
BEST conduct formal assessments and interviews of school leavers to determine their suitability for our industry – saving employers valuable time and money in the recruitment process.
By joining forces with BEST,employers can benefit from the training opportunities and free services provided in recruiting,training, managing and funding towards apprentices’ training.
Tel: 0800 917 8419
