Member Article

Firm welcomes government apprentice levy to boost workforce

Chesterfield-based off-grid fuel supplier AvantiGas has spoken out in support of the government’s proposed apprenticeship levy as it seeks to fill the skills gap in the LPG industry with local talent.

As news of the government’s apprenticeship levy for 2017 hits the press, AvantiGas, specialists in LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) fuel for domestic and commercial markets, has praised the current national apprenticeship programme which has helped it secure full time positions for all 20 apprentices – all from the Chesterfield area.

The firm which employs around 200 staff across the UK, utilises apprenticeship schemes to ensure continuity of its knowledge base and delivery of high customer service. The government’s levy, which is set to be introduced in May 2017, is designed to fund three million places for apprentices in the UK and will be paid for by employers in England with a payroll of more than £3m.

Trish Thorp, HR and training advisor at AvantiGas, said: “We are exceptionally committed to encouraging more young people into an arena which is known to suffer from a skills shortage and as a company we’re investing heavily in the future of this industry by pulling local talent into our organisation and focusing on post apprenticeship development.

“We welcome the support the government is offering through the new levy and the plans to increase funding apprenticeships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The desire to fulfil our customers’ expectations is high amongst our apprentice community and their success forms a key part of our business strategy, which is to create a workforce of experts, trained to the highest standards with exactly the skills we need.”

Among the local apprentice success stories are Jack Rigsby, apprentice draughtsperson, who has just been awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by Chesterfield College for his enthusiasm and ability to practically and pragmatically respond to challenges.

Jack’s manager, standard engineer and former apprentice draughtsman, Ben Bunting, has just completed his BEng degree while fellow former apprentices LPG engineer Kaleb Rothwell is celebrating achieving a HND in mechanical engineering, and apprentice Ryan Ward has secured a full time role in the HR department.

Trish added: “Our investment combined with the government’s support means we are future-proofing the company and our industry by ensuring, through apprenticeships and our ongoing training and development programmes, that our invaluable knowledge and expertise is passed on through generations to bring true value and benefit for our customers.

“As a company which delivers fuel to homes and businesses which are off the mains gas supply, we go above and beyond in our service delivery and in our staff investment. Our people are our greatest asset and developing home-grown skills which are relevant to today’s LPG industry is a key business priority. Our internal apprenticeship programme shows what can be achieved and as we look ahead to increasing our talent pool, we welcome the government’s commitment to apprenticeships and recognise our own continued responsibility for creating opportunities for the next generation of employees.”

AvantiGas is currently searching for its next generation of apprentices. To find out about apprenticeship opportunities with AvantiGas, visit www.avantigas.com/careers

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Approach PR .