A Hull-based construction and maintenance firm have been overwhelmed by the number of applicants for its Apprentice intake for 2020.
KWL had planned an Apprentice Open Day for the 18 April with over 150 candidates registering to attend the event.
The firm recruits around 10 apprentices each year, across the business in construction, the fleet workshop and administration departments.
The Board of Directors at KWL is keen for the business to keep offering opportunities for apprentices during these difficult times. They say they were delighted with the number of local school-leavers who expressed an interest to join the firm.
The event had to be cancelled but KWL aims for the selection process to continue through to July for the 10 places available for this year’s intake.
Roger Grannon, is Chief Operations Officer at KWL and says:
“This is a worrying time for school-leavers who are missing out on the final year of their education. But we want to reassure candidates who are aged 16-19 years that we will be progressing with the scheme, to ensure we are best-placed for the apprentices to start in September. But unfortunately, our open day cannot go ahead due to coronavirus.”
“At previous years’ events, we’ve had young people arrive with their entire family to find out about our apprenticeships. It’s great to see local parents and carers providing this level of support, encouraging young people into life-long careers.”
“We generally recruit around 10 apprentices each year across the business including; the trades, fleet and admin departments. Since 2007 we have continued to increase apprentice intake, taking on 158 full-time apprentices training them to NVQ Level 3, wherever it is achievable.”
“To celebrate the new appointments, we hold an evening of celebration at The Guildhall presided by the Lord Mayor of Hull. Our new apprentices and their parents meet the KWL Directors and Management Team and we present their toolbox and tools. This event marks the next stage in their lives, entering the world of work and adulthood. We always find it quite special ourselves.”
“Investing in young people is key to the future success of KWL, with at least 75 per cent of all apprentices trained and retained; with some receiving national recognition for their achievements.”
“I myself started out as an apprentice electrician with Hull City Council and have seized opportunities to progress my career at KWL. We have the same in mind for every young person who comes to work with us, the opportunity is there if they want to take it.”
“This year we aim to attract more women into construction and with support of our Directors and the females already working in these roles at KWL, we are talking to young women who show an interest in the trades.”
“At KWL we want to recruit the best and to do this we want to encourage everyone to apply if they have an interest in these roles.”
“Applicants for KWL’s Apprenticeships should achieve a minimum of Grade 4 in both Maths and English. We believe schools will be issuing expected grades in June.”
“The recruitment process for apprentice positions will be opening shortly. We are finalising alternative arrangements for this year’s selection process and are looking forward to the successful applicants joining KWL later in the year.”
For more information please visit www.kwl.co.uk.
