Prizes recognize Kier in the community

Citation

(2014), "Prizes recognize Kier in the community", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 46 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICT.03746caa.002

Prizes recognize Kier in the community

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 46, Issue 3

Kier North Tyneside has picked three industry awards that recognize its commitment to providing apprenticeship opportunities for the local community while carrying out repairs and maintenance to 15,600 properties and 600 public buildings on behalf of North Tyneside Council.

After winning large employer of the year in the regional rounds of the National Apprenticeship awards, Kier North Tyneside was highly commended in the national finals. The company was also included in the City and Guilds Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, recognizing it for going the extra mile to help apprentices to succeed and acknowledging it as a role model for other organizations.

The National Apprenticeship Awards recognize excellence in businesses growing their own talent through apprenticeships, as well as apprentices making a significant contribution to their workplace.

Kier also won the project contribution to community engagement category at the National Skills Academy for Construction awards, acknowledging its outstanding commitment to construction recruitment and training in North Tyneside. The award recognizes projects that set specific targets around recruitment and training and thereby support their local economies.

Kier North Tyneside has seen 40 apprentices secure employment with the company since starting apprenticeship programs. The company also encourages apprentices to pursue management positions, with 100 percent of operational managers having completed apprenticeships.

In the latest intake, North Tyneside Kier offered nine youngsters the chance to gain on-the-job experience through a 14-month apprenticeship scheme. The new starters, aged between 16 and 18, all came from the local area and are currently working alongside Kier mentors while attending classroom sessions at TyneMet College to support their development.

Mike Furze, Kier regional director for maintenance, said: "We are delighted to be recognized for our work in providing apprenticeship schemes across the region. Our work with local schools and in the local community is just as rewarding for us as it is for our apprentices. Not only do they gain the skills they need for a career in the industry, but we get enthusiastic young people ready to learn and dedicated to the job."

"As one of the leading employers in the region, we are constantly looking for ways of working with the community and supporting local job prospects. These awards are a fantastic achievement."

Jon Vincent, TyneMet College principal and chief executive, commented: "We are thrilled that Kier has been recognized for its commitment to providing apprenticeship and training opportunities for its staff. It is clearly evident that Kier invests a great deal in its workforce and we as a college will continue to deliver high-quality training to its staff to match this investment."