More apprentices build careers in construction
9:30am Friday 10th February 2012 in Business News
SEDDON Construction is expanding its recruitment of apprentices to mark its parent company’s 75 years of business.
The firm, which has its head office in Plodder Lane, Farnworth, made the announcement yesterday to mark National Apprentice Week.
It said the Seddon Group will take on 75 apprentices and trainees in 2012. It usually recruits between 50 and 55 trainees annually.
Seddon said it had supported construction, maintenance and painting apprentices throughout its history and has trained more than 3,000 apprentices since 1937.
The firm was named UK Contractors Group Employer of the Year in 2011 for its apprentice programme and apprentices make up 10 per cent of its property services and construction workforce.
The company said it took pride in its employee retention rate of 90 per cent — which is much higher than the industry average of 50 per cent.
Seddon Construction managing director Jonathan Seddon said: “We are extremely proud of our track record in developing talented construction professionals.
“We believe our apprentice training is second to none and are excited to be launching this new recruitment drive.”
The firm’s apprenticeships cover trades including bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating and maintenance.
This year’s deadline for applications is Friday, April 27. Candidates must be available for selection trials in August and ready to enrol for their college course in September.
A new section about apprentices has been created on the firm’s website, apprentices.seddon.co.uk.
It features information about training and an online application form.
Seddon is currently led by the third and fourth generations of the Seddon family.
In addition to building, painting and maintenance, it builds homes for sale and operates plant and engineering services.
It has a turnover of more than £250 million and workforce of more than 2,000.
Michelle Geoghegan, Bolton Local Policy Manager at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “We can only tackle the issues of youth unemployment and lack of skilled workers if more employers take on apprentices.
“I hope other Bolton companies will follow Seddon Construction’s example and gain the benefits apprentices can bring.”
