Three young people have taken their first steps towards a career in engineering in the construction industry, after becoming the latest apprentices on Hope Construction Materials’ Apprenticeship Academy programme.

Matthew Richardson, Henry Wilde and Daniel Repton have all been recruited. Mr Richardson and Mr Wilde start on the ‘electrical’ scheme, while Mr Repton will be on the ‘mechanical’ scheme.

The trio will undertake a four-year apprenticeship with the company. The first year will be spent full time at Chesterfield College working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operation (PEO) four days a week, with the final day spent working towards a BTEC ONC in their discipline.

They will then be allocated to one of Hope’s major operations – Hope Cement Works in Derbyshire, Dowlow Quarry near Buxton, or Holme Hall Quarry near Rotherham – spending the following three years on-site four days a week, working towards an NVQ Level 3 Advanced Modern Apprenticeship, with one day a week spent at college continuing with BTEC ONC and BTEC HNC.

Mr Repton said: “Construction has always been part of my life. My dad was a fitter in a local quarry, as was my granddad. They both loved their jobs and I always knew I wanted to do something similar.

“When I visited Hope I really liked what I saw. I believe I can learn a lot from my time with them and hopefully I’ll be offered a good job after my four years of in-class tuition and on-site training.’’

Jim Verity, HR director at Hope Construction Materials, added: “We’re extremely proud to launch our Apprenticeship Academy and to be taking three youngsters into it, all keen to learn as much as they can and build their careers in our company.

“While we have had apprentices at our Cement Works for some time, these are our first apprentices for the concrete and aggregates areas of the business and we look forward to them developing their skills and knowledge and playing their part in the longer-term success of Hope. The scheme will combine in-class education with plenty of hands-on experience, and each of the apprentices will be provided with a mentor who will support them through the scheme.

“Through our partnerships with local educational organisations, the apprentices gain an NVQ Level 3 Advanced Modern Apprenticeship. Once the apprentices have completed their training successfully, I'm confident that they'll be offered a permanent job and have long-term career prospects within Hope.”

Jonathan Price of Chesterfield College said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for these three young men to develop their skills and knowledge within a great company. On our visits to Hope Construction Materials we have been very impressed by the professionalism and the drive managers have shown to support young people in their learning. I have no doubt apprentices in the Academy will gain excellent experience with Hope and will progress to be future leaders.

“With the support of our tutors here at Chesterfield College, apprentices will develop skills in many areas alongside the mentoring they will receive once they start working in their placements in the second year. This is an exciting time for Hope’s latest recruits and for potential future participants in the Hope Academy.”