As the UK celebrates National Apprenticeship Week (9 to 13 March), Lafarge Tarmac has launched its annual recruitment programme to find 75 new apprentices.

As part of the company’s commitment to supporting skills, inspiring young people and helping the UK construction industry develop a talented and diverse workforce, Lafarge Tarmac will offer apprenticeship opportunities to youngsters across many of its 330 UK sites.

Commenting on the launch of the apprenticeship recruitment programme, Cyrille Ragoucy, CEO of Lafarge Tarmac, said: “We’re passionate about creating a lasting skills legacy. I believe that our commitment to learning and innovation means we are well placed to offer expert support and guidance to nurture skills and kick-start successful, high-quality careers. Our apprenticeships are a great opportunity for candidates to gain a nationally-recognised qualification and develop practical experience in a dynamic industry.”

Skills Minister Nick Boles added: “Apprenticeships make absolute business sense while providing life changing opportunities for young people across the country. I am therefore delighted that Lafarge Tarmac is to employ 75 new apprenticeships. I would urge employers of all sizes to follow Lafarge Tarmac’s lead and to consider how they can make apprenticeships part of their growth strategy.”

Opportunities at Lafarge Tarmac are available in a wide range of specialisms from mechanical and electrical apprenticeships, to lab technicians, management trainees and road operatives. The business will also be hiring six higher apprentices, who will be offered a work-based learning programme within the aggregates and quarrying business that leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Apprenticeships last for between one to four years with all recruits undertaking vocational training at a network of leading higher education colleges across the UK. They will also receive expert technical training in their chosen discipline and will be paid while they learn. Following successful completion of the programme, there is the option of attending university.