Polyteck launches apprenticeship programme to create its own pipeline of skilled engineers

The construction and facilities management business has launched its own apprenticeship programme to address the industry skills shortage, with plans to take on eight apprentices this year.

The move will address the shortage of engineers in the industry, a shortage recognised by the government’s Migration Advisory Committee, which lists a range of engineering roles on its Shortage Occupation List. 

Polyteck’s three-year programme, based across its London contracts, will allow apprentices to develop their skills in a variety of areas across administration and engineering, offering them a broad range of job opportunities to choose from within the company on completion. 

Designed by Polyteck to meet the needs of the growing business, the apprenticeship programme, funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, is launching with six apprentices, with plans to recruit an additional two later this year, and five further apprentices each subsequent year. 

Polyteck’s Level 3 apprenticeship will consist of four to five days per week onsite and one day every other Friday of online learning, with modules including building services and electrical engineering.

The scheme is open to anyone, with at least a GCSE grade 4 in English and Maths or equivalent preferable. Graduates will receive a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Engineering as well as a job offer with Polyteck.  

Yiannakis Polycarpou, Chairman, Polyteck, said: “We’re seeing a massive shortage of skilled engineers in our sector, especially following Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic. We believe home grown talent is the way forward, which is why we’re launching an apprenticeship programme to create our own pipeline.

“We’ll take youngsters through the whole process of site work and assist them with their studies, giving them a balance of hands-on, on-the-job training, and online learning.”