Skip to main content HBS Group Southern welcomes new apprentices for 2017
HBS Group Southern have welcomed 17 new apprentices to the company for 2017. This year the interest has been overwhelming, with over 100 applicants apply for the Mechanical and Electrical Apprentice positions on offer.
We’re proud to announce the 8 successful school leaver recruits who have now started their 4 year Apprentice Programme with HBS Mechanical, alongside a further 5 apprentices who are already on full time college courses and have been employed directly onto the training scheme. Meanwhile, HBS Electrical have taken on 4 school leavers and they will be starting their Apprentice Programme in the coming weeks.
The new apprentices have come from all over Hampshire, taking the current number of apprentices employed by HBS to over 50. Our apprentices enjoy on-the-job training across a wide range of new build residential projects, gaining a valuable insight into UK housebuilding.
Pictured: This year’s Mechanical Apprentices alongside our very own Simon Barber, Programme Supervisor and in-house Health & Safety Officer, Robin Woolgar.
Investing in apprenticeships for over 50 years
The 4 year HBS Apprentice Programme for New Build is delivered in partnership with a local network of colleges, and combines on-the-job training, work experience and college-based study. The apprentices will be working towards achieving an NVQ Level 2 in their respective area of study and upon completion will progress onto NVQ Level 3.
Each apprentice will have a dedicated supervisor who will oversee their development during their study and ensure they are progressing on the right track towards achieving their qualification. Our team of highly trained Gas Safe Engineers and Contract Managers will also be on hand to provide support throughout their time with HBS.
Paul Bailey, HBS Group Southern’s Operations Director commented:
‘‘Our dedicated Apprentice Programme forms an integral part of HBS and the apprentices truly are the future of the business. As the company continues to grow and meet the increasing demands of the housebuilding sector, we constantly strive to supply the skilled labour need to help build more homes.’’
‘‘It is hugely important that we continue to do what we can to give young people in the local area the opportunity to learn a trade from some of the best people in the industry and HBS are committed to helping them develop the right skills and qualifications to the highest standard.’’
Archie Harris, First Year Plumbing and Heating Apprentice added:
‘‘I made the choice to train to become a plumber because my grandad was a builder, I heavily respect him with whatever he says, and he recommended that I become a plumber. HBS Group Southern gave me a great opportunity when no one else even replied. Since starting my apprenticeship they’ve made me feel important and its great to be a part of such a great company like HBS.’’
Helping to bridge the gap of labour shortages in the South
We believe that taking on apprentices improves productivity and strengthens our workforce, two factors which are vital as the group continues to grow its project pipeline. It has also been an effective way for HBS to help tackle the current skills shortage within housebuilding in the South.
Looking ahead, we intend to take on and train groups of new apprentices every year, and have already started to plan for our 2018 intake. The new recruits have spent their first week receiving their induction, training in H&S and achieving a CSCS card before commencing on site.
To discover further information about the HBS Apprentice Programme you can visit the HBS Careers page.