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In-house training day for QS apprentices

QS Emma HIbbert, mentoring a group of apprentices

Bowmer + Kirkland is a finalist in the Apprenticeship Initiative category of the SECBE (South East Centre for the Built Environment) Awards.

One of only three companies shortlisted, B+K is on the list because of our apprenticeship degree training programme launched last year, which aligns with the requirements of the Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management Degree Apprenticeships.

To ensure the new scheme recognises the needs of all apprentices on the programme, we set up a Training Board which includes a member of staff from every construction region and is headed by Main Board Director Chris Kirkland.

The Training Board meets every quarter and is the ideal forum to raise issues faced by apprentices or with the apprenticeship itself. We have created a suite of documents which includes an Apprentice Handbook, a Training Matrix and Record Forms to ensure that the apprentices are following the right path. We also introduced training and support for mentors who are selected based on their enthusiasm to help others progress and develop.

We send out a quarterly e-shot sharing Training Board knowledge across the B+K Group, which includes lessons learnt, cpd sessions, information about on-the-job learning days and hot topics.

Along with our in-house training initiatives, we have teamed up with the RICS Future Talent Department and attend their employer forum meetings, educating and helping other employers better understand the implications of the degree apprenticeship, what it means for their trainees and how they can best provide support.

Director Chris Kirkland, said: “Our previous generations of trainees are now able to inspire and encourage our new apprentices in their training and development. It is rewarding for all those involved on the Training Board to see that our new trainees are succeeding and progressing in their career with Bowmer + Kirkland.

“Our apprenticeship programme reinforces our family values ethos and will hopefully encourage the current intake of trainees to assist in training our future intake.”

Judging for the awards is currently scheduled for early July, but that may change subject to COVID-19 guidelines.