Today officially marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2018. From Monday 5th March through to Friday 9th, employers and apprentices from across England are expected to come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships. Be it marketing apprenticeships or signage apprenticeships (sounds great, if you ask us) – the intention is clear, to encourage young people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a career!
Certainly, there’s no doubt that apprenticeships are beneficial, not only for the individual and employer but also for the community and economy at large. We know all too well the value of apprenticeships here at Octink. Our very own Build Site Manager, Mike Bains, first started working at the business 15 years ago as a relatively green apprentice and has continued to expand his knowledge. Even in his current role as a site manager in our Build Team, he’s now embarked on a Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Operations Management.
Octink has also worked closely with local programmes to offer young people work experience and a chance to expand on their employability skills. Take Cultivate London, an organisation which exists to support young people, and encourages them to gain skills, work experience and ongoing employment. They do this by generating training opportunities and jobs in practical horticulture. Octink supports Cultivate London via their marketing activities. Historically we have provided support and work in kind with signs and graphics to help them brand their sites and vans. Other ways we support them includes offering temporary and permanent job opportunities for young people who’ve come through their training program.
As a matter of fact, three people have landed permanent roles at Octink as a result of their connections to this programme.
Apprenticeships, in our eyes, are just as valuable to us as they are you. A fresh approach to the company is something we appreciate, and in return, we can offer a development plan alongside impressive mentoring from experienced and knowledgeable staff. Our vision is to produce a succession line of signage experts! Still not quite convinced? As an employer, we have a brilliant history and reputation. In fact, we’ve previously been recognised by Best companies for the excellent engagement we have with employees, and continue to hold the CommunityMark from Business in the Community.
If you’re considering a marketing apprenticeship or signage apprenticeship, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Simply give us a call, or fill out our contact page, and someone will be in touch to discuss any opportunities we potentially have available.