Case Study

With more than 700 apprentices deployed within companies throughout the south-east, training provider JTL has two decades experience providing the region’s employers with high quality apprentice electricians and plumbers.

Former Banbury-based JLT apprentice Matthew Byne, 26, is now running his own business Chestnut Electrical since qualifying as an electrician in 2006 and is now working with his former training officer to take on his own first apprentice.

Established four years ago, Chestnut Electrical carries out high standard electrical installation, maintenance and testing work for domestic and commercial customers in the public and private sector.

“Most employers know they have to train tomorrow’s workforce — and if a company like ours can demonstrate that we have a skilled workforce we are able to expand our business opportunities,” Matthew said.

Matthew’s JTL apprenticeship allowed him to become a highly qualified electrician able to demonstrate the right training qualifications to work safely and legally on most domestic and industrial premises.

JTL training officer Richard Stanley mentored Matthew during his Apprenticeship and has now returned to help provide a suitable candidate for Chestnut Electrical who will be trained up to Level 3, the vocational equivalent of two A-Levels.

“Whether you are a large organisation or a one man band, looking to expand for the first time, a JTL training officer supports apprentices by giving them guidance and the assistance needed to ensure they meet the standards required to achieve their qualifications,” Richard explained.

In order for Matthew to choose an appropriate apprentice an approved applicants list comes to JTL which is then circulated to employers.

Thousands of young people apply to be apprentices every year and only those who pass JTL’s initial rigorous assessment process are forwarded for interview.

Many directors of electrical contracting companies started life as a JTL apprentice with some like Matthew setting up their own successful business while others move through the ranks of their company or continue their studies to degree engineering level.

Government funding is provided to cover all college and on-site assessment costs, mentoring and examination fees for 16 to 24 year olds beginning Advanced Apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, engineering maintenance and heating and ventilating trades.

Employers can also apply for a £1,000 grant to take on an electrical apprentice, which is in addition to the standard JTL grants package.

JTL Chief Executive Denis Hird said: “It is recognised that the industry is going through a tough time at the moment and that this is making it difficult for some employers to commit to taking on apprentices.

“We very much hope this significant investment by JTL will help employers in Oxfordshire to make that commitment.”

JTL

Supporting 8,000 young people working with 3,500 businesses in England and Wales, JTL deliver more Apprenticeships than anyone else in the building services engineering sector with around 75 per cent of all electricians who qualify each year.

JTL receives government funding to cover all college and on-site assessment costs, mentoring and examination fees for 16 to 24 year olds beginning Advanced Apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, engineering maintenance and heating and ventilating trades.

Whether you are a large organisation or a one man band, looking to expand for the first time, a JTL training officer is available to support apprentices by giving them guidance and the assistance needed to ensure they meet the standards required to achieve their qualifications.

Around 70 per cent of the young people who start an Advanced Apprenticeship each year with JTL will complete it, compared to a national average of 50 per cent.

For more information contact JTL on 08000 825 308 or visit the website: www.jtltraining.com