56 APPRENTICESHIPS
CONQUERING ADVERSITY TO BECOME AWARD-WINNING EMPLOYEE
After overcoming hardship, star employee, John Jacobs epitomises the value of an apprenticeship in 2023.
Burnley native John Jacobs is a shining example of the advantages of an apprenticeship in 2023.
Before joining the Painting and Decorating apprenticeship at Accrington and Rossendale College, part of the Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG), John had overcome some major setbacks and hardships in his life.
Aged only 19, John suffered from a burst brain aneurysm, in which he was lucky to survive.
After a lengthy recovery period in and out of hospitals, John found himself jobless and without qualifications, however, after having an epiphany during the reflective period of lockdown, John applied for an NCCG apprenticeship.
Aged 28, with three small children to care for, John believed he had left it too late to enrol in an apprenticeship programme. Despite his reservations, he took the leap and enrolled, a decision which he would later applaud.
“I was aware that at 28 and with three children to support that I might struggle on an apprentice wage, but Onward Homes offers a Real Living Wage which certainly helps and has enabled me to complete my apprenticeship without worrying about money.”
John is benefiting from his efforts after settling into the apprenticeship’s learning and working components. He received the Apprentice of the Year alongside Construction Student of the Year back at NCCG’s Apprenticeship Awards in June.
Clive Mitchell, operations manager at Onward Repairs, said: “We are all so pleased that John has received this recognition. His confidence grows every week and he’s developing his skills and knowledge level at a phenomenal pace.
“He’s a model apprentice, and his extraordinary journey of strength, courage, and commitment to his learning has inspired us all”.
NCCG’s apprenticeship programmes are built alongside local employers to ensure that they
are filling the most relevant and up-to-date skill gaps within modern industry.
If you are keen to recruit ambitious talent with the most relevant skills and knowledge to your industry, then don’t hesitate to get in touch and see what apprentices can do for you.
CHAMPIONING APPRENTICESHIPS SINCE 2009
employers@nelsongroup.ac.uk | 01282 440 200
Partnership is part of Speakman Contractor’s makeup.
Supporting businesses across the North West with a complete range of building services, the Burnley-based business deeply understands the value of investing in people and building successful relationships.
And this doesn’t just go for customers.
The company has been a passionate champion of apprenticeships for more than 13 years, seeing over 50 apprentices come through its doors since 2009.
Joint managing director Chris Speakman said: “We’re not just investing in the person - we have a responsibility for their lives, families, and lifestyles. We take that commitment seriously, whether individuals rise through the ranks or go and set up on their own.”
In a full circle moment, several former apprentices-turned-business owners have gone on to join Speakman Contractors’ supply chain.
Chris added: “We see the positives in that. It allows us to build a flexible supply chain made up of people who understand how we work. We trust they have the skill set we need and the standards we expect for our customers because they’ve come from our own talent pool.”
Speakman Contractors covers the entire spectrum of integrated services, from design and installation of electrical and lighting systems to building repairs and maintenance.
Local and national businesses rely on Speakman to function at full capacity and maintain peak productivity, from manufacturing, commercial, leisure and retail.
Chris said: “For many businesses, the main concern is keeping their plant and machinery up and running so they stay operational. Taking care of the general building maintenance is where we fit in.
“You carry on being busy at what you’re best at, and we’ll look after your buildings to make sure you keep delivering those services to your customers.”
Speakman Contractors also works in partnership with Burnley College, sitting on an advisory board to model how construction is taught to young people and shape the industry’s future success.
Chris added: “New technology emerges all the time, so we offer our insight, expertise, and training, as well as supplying test equipment for students to develop industry skills and knowledge.
“It’s all part of our culture as a business - investing in people, nurturing skills, and strengthening our local economy by helping to promote and develop talent.”
www.speakmancontractors.co.uk
FROM APPRENTICE TO JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR
Joint managing director Chris Speakman is a keen ambassador for apprenticeships after joining the industry via this route at the age of 15, before founding the family business.
Now 28 years later, he works alongside brother Andrew and sister-in-law Emma at the helm of the company, understanding first-hand the power of people.
He said: “I went on that same journey our apprentices go through, so I understand the whole process from start to finish.
“Apprenticeships are a key driver of our growth - they embody our ethos as a business.”
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