Case Study

Prodrive’s Apprenticeships coordinator and electrical workshop supervisor Rob Alderman is very clear that they are part of the team from the start — and an integral one at that.

Prodrive is one of the world’s largest and most successful motorsport and vehicle technology businesses, employing nearly 600 staff in the UK and internationally. The Banbury-based company has been working with Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) to train their apprentices for over 10 years.

“Apprenticeships are an important part of our business,” says Rob. “After all, the future of the industry depends on having a skilled workforce, so it’s an important investment. I’d advise any business considering taking on an apprentice that you really do get back what you put into it in terms of time and effort – and OCVC go a long way to making sure everything runs smoothly.”

One of the main reasons Prodrive continues to train its apprentices with OCVC is the college’s commitment to working with employers to create training that suits their business requirements – and a willingness to be flexible.

“When I took on responsibility for apprentices, I sat down with OCVC and worked out where Prodrive wanted to be — and how apprentices could play a part in that,” says Rob. “We are not looking to create an apprentice, we are looking for a future employee.”

OCVC’s offering has evolved in line with Prodrive’s needs. OCVC staff worked closely with Rob to modify the training and the way it is delivered. Initially apprentices learnt over a six week solid block at OCVC, but Rob found this meant they weren’t bonding quickly enough with the culture at Prodrive.

He currently finds the weekly ‘day release’ set-up works well for everyone. “OCVC make sure our apprentices learn what they need in just one day each week,” says Rob. “The rest of the time they are immersed in the world of Prodrive.”

“We expect a lot from our apprentices,”

adds Rob. “This is not two years of shadowing. Within six weeks, our apprentices are doing work that’s an integral part of delivery. They become part of the team straight away – and everyone quickly forgets they are apprentices. We find that this works well and is a positive experience for the team and our apprentices — who feel supported by the training they are getting at OCVC.”

Rob receives hundreds of Apprenticeship applications from around the world, so current post-holders Jack Pilling and Ashley Goodger (both 18) are keen to make their mark in this highly sought-after role.

Rob’s carefully planned Apprenticeship programme means that Jack and Ashley rotate through various departments. “At the end of that time I sit down with them and discuss where they want to work in the second year – and where we felt they had the best fit.”

“I am learning so much already,” said Ashley. “When I started out I thought I wanted to work with the cars, but now I am thinking I might want to be in the fabrication workshop, actually making the parts that go into the cars.”

Jack added: “I think Apprenticeships are brilliant for businesses because you get an employee who has trained in the way you want them to work.” Rob expects big things from Jack and Ashley— so watch this space.

Oxford and Cherwell Valley College

As one of the region’s training providers, Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) has an impressive pedigree of delivering Apprenticeships across every main business sector and for organisations of all sizes.

OCVC’s delivery of training programmes to employers, including Apprenticeships, has been independently verified as outstanding by the national Training Quality Standard certification.

The college combines a wealth of experience with a commitment to flexibility, working with employers to ensure apprentices receive training that meets their business needs — whether they are a multinational organisation or a small building firm. OCVC trains staff at many companies year-after-year, often getting new contacts through positive referrals. Currently, more than 500 apprentices from around 300 employers are benefitting from high-quality, tailored Apprenticeship training with OCVC.

Reflecting the government’s drive to increase the number of adult Apprenticeships, OCVC aims to more than double the number of apprentices it trains over the next two years, targeting both young adults seeking employment for the first time and professionals looking to grow their skills and improve their opportunities for personal development.