Millcroft shines a light on the positive impact that apprentices have on the business during National Apprenticeship Week 2023.
With the theme of the initiative this year being ‘skills for life’, the week brings together companies and trainees across the country to showcase the invaluable influence apprenticeships have on individuals, as well as businesses and the wider economy.
As one of few specialist contractors with a CITB-approved on-site training centre at its HQ in Greenwich, Millcroft offers training to operatives and management teams at all levels. As well as supporting apprenticeships, Millcroft delivers SMSTS (Scaffolding Management and Supervisory Training) and SSSTS (Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme), as well as mental health awareness and first aid training.
Lewis Mence, 22, and George Edwards, 24, were introduced to Millcroft via the Government’s Kickstart scheme and are both currently undertaking training as trainee scaffolders. They will soon start their apprenticeships with the company in the spring of this year.
Lewis and George began their scaffolding experience working for five months in the Millcroft scaffolding yard in Greenwich, familiarising themselves with the equipment and undertaking maintenance tasks such as painting tubes, stacking, servicing materials, loading and unloading.
When the new recruits were ready, they both completed their CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS) at Millcroft’s training centre, as well as manual handling and harness and lanyard use; preparing them to work alongside Millcroft’s scaffolding team on live sites across various sectors.
On receiving their trainee scaffolders card, both were issued a new, full set of tethered scaffolding tools, full PPE including two-point safety harness with twin-tailed lanyard, a working at height safety helmet, protective glasses, boots, gloves and Millcroft branded clothing. All equipment is suitable for use within rail, utilities and construction project requirements.
Commenting on his training, George Edwards, said: “Working with Millcroft has given me the hands-on experience I need to progress in my scaffolding career. Being on live sites is amazing and the team really look after one another - I feel really lucky to be in such a strong position at my age. All trainees are encouraged by the team to learn new things, and I have been provided training opportunities which will equip me with the skills I need for the future.”
Lewis said: “I’ve always been keen to get into construction and my older brother is in scaffolding so that has inspired me. When the opportunity came to join Millcroft as part of the Kickstart scheme, I jumped at it. The early starts were a bit of a shock at first as I’ve had to adapt and change my lifestyle but that is all good – no more being up late playing on my Playstation as I have to start on site at 7.45am! Millcroft has been brilliant paying for my travel to sites around the city, including to Bond Street where I am working now. My first site supervisor was really encouraging and trained me in a very hand-on way which has enabled me to learn quickly. I’m looking forward to getting my CISRS Scaffolding Part 1 which means I’ll only be one step behind my brother!”
Billy Jones, MD at Millcroft, said: “We have operatives that come to us at the very beginning of their careers, starting their scaffolding journey as trainees and yard operatives, who then work their way up to advanced scaffolders. Providing in-house training and support and guiding our workforce through their careers enhances health and safety, as we know they have been trained to the highest of standards and are assimilated to our business culture.
“We’re really pleased to have Lewis and George with us as our latest cohort of apprentices. Millcroft not only provides skills-based qualifications, but we also offer wellbeing support as the demands and hours required in scaffolding can be a real adjustment for new recruits. Developing an individual’s skills is an important part of our craft; especially as we’re experiencing an industry-wide quality labour shortage.”
Concluded Billy: “As many will testify in the construction sector, it can be extremely difficult to find good staff. So, we really look after our own. We nurture and grow their skills and provide career progression opportunities to ensure we maintain a solid and motivated workforce which protects the future of our business, and the sector.”
