OUR EMPLOYERS
HOW CAN THE WCAA SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR APPRENTICE
Phil Smalley, Malvern Stone & Building Services
Have you taken an apprentice on before?
Toby (pictured) is my first. He originally started working for me as a labourer but I could see a lot of potential in him so I encouraged him to take a course in bricklaying.
What are the benefits of taking on an apprentice?
I can take on larger jobs now that I have an extra person on site. I am also hoping that by teaching Toby something new he will remain motivated and see the benefits of applying himself. He is a good worker and I wouldn’t want to lose him.
Would you recommend the WCAA to other businesses?
Yes. The WCAA has helped me expand my business. I would have struggled to pay Toby, as well as provide him with the tools that he needs to work on site. The WCAA funding has not only contributed towards Toby’s wages but the £500 toolkit voucher has helped him build up his own set of tools.
“I can take on larger jobs now that I have an extra person on site. I am also hoping that by teaching Toby something new he will remain motivated and see the benefits of applying himself. ”
Stuart Breeze, SB Carpentry
Have you taken an apprentice on before?
No, this is my first. If I was to find another apprentice as hard working as Jake, I would definitely take them on too.
What are the benefits of taking on an apprentice?
Before Jake, I was a one man band and therefore was restricted to what work I could take on. The majority of my work was first fixings but now I am able to do a variety of carpentry jobs including the construction of roofs as I have a second pair of hands.
Would you recommend the WCAA to other businesses?
Yes. Financially, the WCAA has made it affordable to take on an apprentice. You have to invest a lot of time into your apprentice so it is important that you get someone who is willing to put the work in. The benefit of going through the WCAA is that they vet the students beforehand so you can feel confident that you are getting someone who is fully committed.
“Financially, the WCAA has made it affordable to take on an apprentice. You have to invest a lot of time into your apprentice so it is important that you get someone who is willing to put the work in. ”
