DPS Group are proud to celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021, as they reveal plans for an apprenticeship intake for 2021.
The business added to its modern apprentices' group in summer 2020, taking the total number of graduate and modern apprentices to thirteen.
DPS Group director Colin Burnett believes that apprenticeships are a vital part of the business:
"DPS Group Apprenticeship Programme is integral to the ongoing success of the business. Without continued investment in young people, we would limit the company's individual sectors' future growth and development."
"We have a mass of knowledge within the business and have a moral duty to share this to the next generation. With the support of our internal team and training partnerships, our apprentices will become the engineering champions of the future."
Colin admits that continuing with both Graduate and Modern Apprenticeships through a global pandemic has been challenging: "It's been a tough year for business across the UK and beyond. We have had to make changes to improve and move forward. Our apprenticeships are at the core of our business and future and we were determined to retain all apprentices from the outset.
"It was brilliant to be able to add to the group by bringing in a new Modern Apprentice in summer 2020. It brings fresh ideas and exuberance to the team. That's why we have to exactly the same in 2021."
DPS Group HSEQ Manager Victoria Coates commented on the valued funding support of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB): “The business's apprenticeships are supported by funding from the ECITB. The funding has been instrumental in the DPS Group Apprenticeship Programme over the years, and even more so during Covid-19.
“The traditional funding was supplemented with additional 'train to retain' funding that helped business' throughout the UK. The extra funds were implemented to combat a future skills-gap across the industry.”
Paul Hynd, ECITB Account Manager, said: “The ECITB has supported apprenticeships at DPS Group for a number of years and it is fantastic to see the difference this has made to the organisation.
‘’The company’s strategic focus on apprenticeships and recent achievement of the ECITB Skills & Training Charter Gold Standard is a great testimony for the company and its commitment to training.
‘’I am also really pleased the ECITB has been able to support DPS Group through the Train to Retain scheme, helping to retain new entrants to the business learning vital workplace skills during the pandemic.”
The newest addition to the Modern Apprenticeship Programme is Jack Arthur, first-year modern apprentice,
"I've been lucky to spend the last five months on this apprenticeship. A lot of my friends are struggling to find work or a placement. I've constantly been learning and found the mix of online and classroom work challenging but a great experience."
Jack added: "The appeal of an apprenticeship is the mix of work; it keeps a variety in my day-to-day routine. It adds practical aspects but also allows me to keep my academics sharp."
John Hamill, Fife College Business Development Manager, commented on the value of the partnership with DPS Group, saying:
"DPS Group care passionately about their engineering apprenticeship programme. It's creative, innovative and creates a talent pipeline to help grow their business. Working in partnership with Fife College, the programme delivers both practical skills and knowledge.
"It is structured, and apprentices will in the first-year attend Fife College to complete an SVQ 2 and NC Level 6 Electrical. On returning to the workplace, apprentices will complete an SVQ 3. In year two, they will attend college day release to complete an HNC. Ultimately the programme develops people with the skills and knowledge their business needs and offers an excellent opportunity for apprentices to develop a career in Engineering."
If you would like to find out more about DPS Group Modern Apprenticeship Programme, get in touch LWood@dp-sgroup.co.uk