Apprentices need real-world experience, says company boss

Citation

(2011), "Apprentices need real-world experience, says company boss", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 43 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2011.03743daa.009

Apprentices need real-world experience, says company boss

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 43, Issue 4

Apprentices need to be offered experience of customer-relationship management in preparation for a career, according to the Managing Director of audio-visual specialist Blaydon Communications Ltd, Paul Dougherty.

Twenty years ago he, along with the Managing Director of sister company UK Time Solutions Chris Routledge, started out as an apprentice, following the 70-year tradition of the firms supporting apprenticeship.

Paul Dougherty said: “Apprenticeship provides a solid, technical career base and, as Chris and I have demonstrated, can lead to senior management and the boardroom. While the classroom and bench work provide this foundation we believe it is essential that the apprentice understands how our business works, and the importance of their relationship with our customers.

“Apprentices will go on to be the front-line representatives of our business, dealing with customers’ needs and advising on the best options. This is not something they learn in the classroom, so we have developed a program where the apprentice will be mentored by a manager, gaining an understanding of the correct way to deal with our customers’ needs.

“It is also important to give apprentices early responsibility for projects, again while being mentored, to ensure quality standards are maintained. This responsibility builds confidence and helps to ensure that the apprentice can make a valuable contribution to the enterprise as soon as he or she qualifies.”

Blaydon Communications apprentice Michael Thompson is half way through a three-year apprenticeship and is currently responsible for the design and installation of an access-control system at Bright Stars Nursery in Sunderland.

Paul Dougherty said: “Michael has responsibility for the Bright Stars Nursery project under the supervision of our audio-visual engineer Dan Milner. Dan oversees every aspect of the project but will only intervene when it is necessary. Michael is encouraged to discuss the project with management at Bright Stars Nursery and come up with an efficient, cost-effective solution just as he will be expected to do when he finishes his apprenticeship. This real-world experience is vital to ensure our apprentices finish their training with more than just a certificate.”

Blaydon Communications Ltd was founded in 1972 to provide sound and communications equipment. Today the company manufactures, supplies and installs a wide range of electronic equipment throughout the UK.