As part of its ongoing commitment to develop skills and create employment opportunities for local people, Tarmac has recruited six new apprentices in Norfolk.
They will begin an 18-month training programme that will provide them with a combinational of practical on-site training across Norfolk from experienced technical experts and vocational education at Tarmac’s national training centre. This will provide the new local recruits, who are all between 17 and 24 years old, with experience of the day to day work the company carries out to maintain Norfolk’s 6000 miles of county roads.
Commenting on the new arrivals, Paul Fleetham, managing director for Tarmac’s Contracting business, said: “We are passionate about nurturing new talent and providing high-quality career opportunities in construction both for new and existing employees, so I’m delighted to welcome our new recruits in Norfolk to Tarmac.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to skills we hope to inspire local young people into construction and help to deliver a lasting skills legacy in the county. Through our long-term partnership with Norfolk County Council we are pleased to be investing in both the future of our business and the local community.”
Two of the new starters, Kaine Bentley, 19 from Gorleston, and Ben Dunning, 19 from Norwich, originally came to Tarmac through a work experience programme organised by The Prince’s Trust and had such an enjoyable time that they each successfully applied for the full-time apprenticeship scheme.
Kaine said: “After spending a brilliant two weeks doing work experience for Tarmac I was really keen to get into Construction as a career. We’re offered a great balance of technical training and hands-on experience and my mentor has already been giving lots of support and guidance. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone as a great step into employment.”
Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council’s chairman of the environment, transport and development committee, said: “Working for a business, learning on the job while also gaining an industry recognised qualification provides invaluable career opportunities and is a great way for young people to boost the skills that employers really want. I am very pleased that our long term contract relationship with Tarmac is providing real opportunities for young people in Norfolk.”