Exeter-based SWH Group has teamed up with the local arm of Aggregate Industries to provide practical training exercises to construction and civil engineering apprentices.
SWH Group has worked closely with Aggregate Industries on a number of community focused initiatives, including the recent construction of a wheelchair friendly driveway for a paralysed lady in Ottery St Mary. The companies have teamed up again to provide a practical exercise for a team of 12 apprentices as part of their ongoing training.
In this case, Aggregate Industries needed to construct a footpath around its asphalt quarry in Rockbeare, which is also used for the sale of dry materials. They offered to supply the materials required and SWH Group provided the apprentices to carry out the work. The apprentices were required to complete risk assessments, site inductions and method statements to complete the work to the client’s specification. This allowed them to utilise the theoretical skills they have already learned, including health and safety considerations to practical tasks such as conducting CAT Scans to locate underground services.
Sean McMahon, training assessor for SWH Group said: “Large scale, national companies and local government authorities send their apprentices to us to be trained because we have a reputation for excellence; in this group alone we have individuals from as far afield as London and the Isle of Wight. These initiatives, in conjunction with Aggregate Industries, give us a unique opportunity to put apprentices in real life situations which is an invaluable learning experience that will teach them the practical skills they will need in their careers.”
Graham Rowland, plant manager at Aggregate Industries, added: “This is another example of productive collaboration between our two companies. It has been great to see these apprentices work together and improve their skills.”
Picture caption: Graham Rowland, Aggregate Industries (far left) and Sean McMahon, SWH Group (second left) with the group of apprentices
Highway Skills - Delivering a workforce fit for the future, is a one day conference which will bring together key stakeholders within the industry sector to assess, strategise and collaborate as to how skills can be maximised for the future workforce. The event is taking place at the London Transport Museum on 29 September. For further information visit www.highwayskills.com
