11TH FEB 2021
#NAW2021 Employer Case Study: HPR Services LTD - Growing and developing our workforce from within
HPR Services LTD has grown and developed since they started trading five years ago. The original business model had apprenticeships right at the core of their organisation and this still remains the case today. Through investing in their workforce, HPR has been able to successfully expand with a team of loyal and dedicated employees, many of which have completed apprenticeships to upskill and train. Read more here.
National Apprenticeship Week 2021
Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers.
HPR Services LTD has grown and developed since they started trading five years ago. The original business model had apprenticeships right at the core of their organisation and this still remains the case today. Through investing in their workforce, HPR has been able to successfully expand with a team of loyal and dedicated employees, many of which have completed apprenticeships to upskill and train. Chris Allen, Operations Manager at HPR Services LTD, shares with us his experience of working with apprenticeships and explains why they form such a key element of their business.
HPR Services LTD - Growing and developing our workforce from within
Why does your business support apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships have been a great way for HPR to expand and upskill our current workforce. We can adapt their training according to the needs of our business which is constantly evolving and diversifying as our business continues to grow.
How do apprenticeships benefit your business?
Offering apprenticeships shows employees that HPR are investing in their long-term development and helps to deliver the feeling of extra security within their role within the business.
It also allows members of our team to understand and develop the core values of the business while furthering their knowledge in a specific role through the apprenticeship.
The upskilling of our current team has been vital due to our rapid growth and wanting to reward the members of the team for their hard work and dedication. We have been able to fill new roles without having to bring in new faces that don’t understand company values.
Tell us how apprentices can progress within your business?
At HPR, we pride ourselves on growing and developing our team from within. The core of our business when it started five years ago was a small team of engineers and apprentices that have grown and developed with the business. The apprentices are now engineers and have their own apprentices so the proven cycle of our business model can start again.
HPR has also used the apprenticeship scheme to promote the growth of our administration team. The bespoke development and learning on offer means that we now have a small team of planners and administrators that are managed by the same members of our team that worked alone when the company started trading.
Do you have any top-tips for how to mentor apprentices?
Try and put yourself in the apprentice’s shoes! The experience you have gained over the years which allows you to carry out your duties day to day has been hard-earned. It wasn’t natural or easy for you at the beginning and will not be easy for them now. Be approachable and if the commitment and enthusiasm is present, stick with it. Great ‘homegrown’ team members are worth the effort!
Would you recommend investing in apprenticeships to other Gloucestershire Businesses?
Apprentices should be an integral part of all business no matter how big or small. The training and experience gained both onsite by mentors and through Gloucestershire College means the practical skills and growth is bespoke.
Trust and ongoing development builds confidence for both the employer and employee which in turn creates a good working relationship.
Apprenticeships are a win-win for both employees and their employers
Jade Nutting, Office Manager and Level 3 Team Leader Apprentice at HPR Services LTD, commented: “I wanted to advance and improve in the skills required for my current role as a manager at HPR. The apprenticeship has also taught me in depth knowledge about project management and how to run projects effectively, including looking at the finances within the company and how to monitor this successfully. I’ve also learnt about operational management to create the highest level of efficiency within the organisation.” Read more about Jade’s experience as a Level 3 Team Leader Apprentice here.
Start a leadership apprenticeship at Gloucestershire College
Find out more about our leadership programmes below:
Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship
Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager Apprenticeship
Contact: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400 for more information.
Recruit an apprentice with Gloucestershire College
Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020,’ Gloucestershire College is committed to delivering excellence for our apprentices and employers. Our GC Business Hub team will listen to your needs and requirements and advise on the right training programme for your business.
Our management programmes are ideal to develop the future leaders of your business and we offer apprenticeships in HR, Marketing, Customer Service and Accountancy too. Contact our team today to find out more via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400.
