On-the-job learning leads to success for Polypipe Civils apprentices

Polypipe Civils use of apprenticeships across multiple business departments, from manufacturing, quality control and engineering maintenance through to marketing and administration, is leading to success as a number of apprentices are celebrating gaining qualifications whilst learning within the workplace.

Since taking on their first apprentices over five years ago, Polypipe has supported a number of young people as they take their first steps onto the career ladder. Polypipe’s apprenticeship programme supports the entrance of apprentices across the business in a variety of roles, as the company aims to invest in a younger generation in order to transfer skills and knowledge that can help to sustain the company in years to come.

Jessica Sargent, 20, began her Level 3 apprenticeship in Business Administration with Polypipe in June 2015.  Having completed her apprenticeship one year early, Jessica is celebrating her promotion to Transport Planner at Polypipe’s Loughborough site. Joining the Horncastle Administration Team, 19 year old Cherry Gilchrist is currently undergoing her Level 2 apprenticeship in Administration. 

Looking to pursue a career in Marketing, Olivia Carson, 19, joined Polypipein Loughborough on a work placement in January of this year.  Olivia is now working full time as a Marketing Assistant, whilst working towards her Level 2 apprenticeship in Marketing.

At Horncastle, Caine Willerton, 20, working within Polypipe’s Engineering Department, has recently begun his Level 2 Improving Operational Performance Engineering (Maintenance Engineering) apprenticeship. Joe Shaw, 16, will also soon to be starting a Level 2 apprenticeship this Autumn, working within the Injection Moulding Department.

In total, Polypipe Civils currently has 13 apprentices based across both its Loughborough and Horncastle sites, providing the company with a production line of talented young employees.

Mark Hughes, Managing Director at Polypipe Civils states: “By fostering and supporting the entrance of apprentices across the business, we can help them apply their skills to their chosen career. Their skills and knowledge are the foundations that will shape the industry in the future.  Through a mixture of on the job training and a well-structured college course, our apprentices receive all the support needed to make their transition into full team members.”

Olivia Carson, Marketing Assistant added: “My apprenticeship with Polypipe allows me to gain a recognised qualification whilst being paid on the job. Polypipe has given me the opportunity to start my career in Marketing, as well as gaining valuable experience in a working environment and working as part of a team. I’m looking forward to completing my apprenticeship and progressing within the company.”