Part of the 2023 cohort of apprentices
Aggregate Industries has announced details of its recruitment drive for apprenticeships in 2024.
The business is seeking to fill 74 positions this year, building towards around 200 active roles across the business.
Two types of qualification will be offered. Higher Apprenticeships, which require A-levels or the equivalent of 80 UCAS points, and Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3) which require five GCSEs.
The company works with education partners such as the University of Derby, UCLAN, Liverpool John Moores University, Tiro, Mercuri and Make UK in the delivery.
A variety of apprenticeships will be offered in the following specialisms:
James Roberts, HR Director for Aggregate Industries, said: “We are delighted to be offering a broad range of apprenticeships again this year.
“There is a real need to attract the next generation of young people to become the future colleagues and leaders of Aggregate Industries.
“Across the construction industry as a whole we recognise that there is an ageing workforce and there remains huge demand to fill roles across all specialisms.
“The great advantage of an apprenticeship is it offers a fantastic opportunity to those seeking out a career to learn essential skills through first-hand on-the-ground experience, alongside studying for and gaining a qualification - all while earning.
“We have a clear drive to continue to evolve and lead the way in decarbonising the construction industry through accelerating green growth and having more sustainable operations. We know this is something that is important to many young people, especially when it comes to something as important as a career choice.
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming the next generation of our workforce during 2024.”
Callum King (19) has just completed his first year of a Higher Apprenticeship within the Concrete Products division of the business and is based at Croft in Leicester.
He said: “After finishing my A-Levels I felt as though I wanted to start working and gaining valuable experience in a real job role, however I also wanted to continue studying and gain a qualification. Doing an apprenticeship has allowed me to do this, it also taught me valuable skills such as time management. In my first year I learnt a lot about the industry but also about the role I am in.
“For me, the best thing about doing an apprenticeship is the ability to learn onsite and take it back to the classroom, learning valuable skills whilst actually using them is very rewarding. Doing an apprenticeship was the best decision I made. The advice I would give is to consider how you learn best. If you learn something by doing it, an apprenticeship is a great opportunity.”
Harry Folwell (19) from Coalville, Leicestershire is undertaking an advanced apprenticeship in Commercial and Sales with the Surfacing Solutions division of the business.
He said: “I was doing my A-Levels and had no idea what it was I wanted to do. All I knew was that university wasn’t for me so I just thought I’d get my A-Levels done and look for a job. I was looking around and fortunately my friend had just done his first year as an apprentice at Aggregate Industries and told me I should take a look at what was on offer and I ended up following in his footsteps.
“For me the big benefit is that you are being paid to essentially learn. There’s a lot to learn about the business and the world of work but what is good is that any support or training you need is there for you and they take you step-by-step. You really feel like you are learning a trade and getting to know how a big business works.
“Obviously, it all depends on the person, but if you are unsure and not sure that you want to go to university, then you should seriously consider an apprenticeship. Just go for it, you have nothing to lose. You’re being taught and being paid.”
Katie Eyre is a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at Cauldon Cement Plant in Staffordshire. She said: “I chose the apprenticeship route as you get to gain experience alongside the theoretical side. The best thing is the hands-on side. You get to learn from experienced people on the job who have a varied range of skill sets.
“Aggregate Industries is really welcoming and you are helped all along the way. It’s a great place to learn and I would recommend it to anyone.”
The opportunities are now live and applications are being accepted. Virtual assessments will take place, after which successful candidates will be invited to on-site assessment days in the spring.
