Top Three Candidates Are Now The Apprentices!!

Megan Pendlebury joins the Sure Group Engineer Team to work alongside Sister Danielle and Dad Neil

Tues, September 13th, 2011
After a tough interview process, three very lucky young people are now Sure Group Gas Engineer Apprentices. The interviews, which included trials out on the road with fully qualified engineers, took place over the summer. The apprentices are now fully engaged in their training, which includes one day a week at college, and 4 days being mentored and trained by a Sure Group Engineer out on the job. The Apprenticeship takes 3 years to successfully complete, and are managed by Marian Silke, Training Consultant - Construction Industry Sector. When asked about the apprenticeship Marian commented 'We are very pleased to be providing the Apprenticeship training, and to be part of the continued development and growth of the Sure Group and it's workforce'.

Megan Pendlebury is one of the apprentices. When asked about why she decided to go along the apprenticeship route she said “My Sister and Dad both work as Gas Engineers for Sure Group, and I know that aspects of the job can be mentally and physically challenging, and that the hours can be long. But I also know that I can have a solid career as a gas engineer. It is early days for me, but already, I am finding that the work is varied and interesting, and I meet with lots of customers on a daily basis. I feel really lucky to have this chance”.

Megan is working on the Salix Homes Gas Servicing & Repairs contract, alongside Joel Whitehead. The great thing for Joel, is that he lives in a Salix Homes property, so some days, he hasn’t got far to go to get to work!

The other apprentice is Oliver Prescot. Oliver is 18 and just completed his ‘A’ levels. Trying to decide between a place at University, or an apprenticeship, Oliver undertook work experience at Sure Group. He enjoyed it so much, that he decided to pursue a career as a Gas Engineer. Like Megan and Joel, Oliver now spends one day a week at College, and the rest of his time working alongside a qualified Gas Engineer on the Trafford Housing Trust gas servicing & repairs contract.

The Apprentices where recruited by Sure Group in partnership with Procure Plus. Darren Cunningham Chief Executive, Sure Group said “It is critical that we continue to recruit and train new people. Sure Group’s business is growing steadily, and we need to ensure that we have well trained and competent engineers to support future growth.”

Mark Wilson, Procure Plus said “Working in partnership with Salix Homes and Sure Group, Procure Plus are delighted to support these young people to succeed in their chosen profession. As a regeneration consortium of social housing providers, it is vital that we create these training opportunities for our local communities to sustain long term employment”.

Steve Moore, Specialist Services Manager at Salix Homes is pleased that the apprentices have now started. He said “It is great to see local talent being developed, and to see more women joining the gas servicing industry as an engineer. Salix Homes is committed to supporting the local community and I wish all three apprentices the best of luck in achieving their career aims”.

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