Mohammed Farhan, left, and Jack Lal
Aldridge-based SPV is part of the Phoenix Consortia group and trainees have become an integral part of the business.
The focus on education has led to the company becoming one of the sponsors of the 2023 Express & Star Apprenticeship Awards.
She sponsors Apprentice of the Year for the tech, digital and creative industries after Phoenix backed the first awards in 2022
SPV believes trainees bring fresh ideas and thoughts and embrace new technologies.
Currently apprentices make up 10 percent of the workforce and over the past three years SPV has supported 10 apprentices to complete their Level 2 qualifications and become qualified roofers.
Since partnering with Juniper Training in 2019 to support and advance the construction course for 16-18 year olds and partner to provide the three Trailblazer standards in the roofing trade, SPV has hired 12 trainees who have all excelled in the industry they have in worked in the roofing industry, worked for the company and some even became self-employed.
Mohammed Farhan was a standout student at Juniper’s first Building Futures course in 2019. He was the first SPV trainee to be hired in 2020 as part of the sheet metal and facade cladding course. His willingness to learn, collaboration with the team, presence and attitude towards his work stood out from the start.
Mo has won numerous industry awards including the NFRC Young Roofer of the Year Award and the Birmingham Apprenticeship Award for Apprentice of the Year and has also been interviewed for the People Make Roofing campaign.
Since earning his Level 2 Trailblazer qualification, at just 21 years old, he has completed other qualifications including the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association, the International Powered Access Federation and First Aid qualifications. He will also take part in a Site Supervision Safety Training for Site Managers. At the end of 2023 he will complete his qualification as he will lead smaller projects for the company in the future.
Mo has visited several local schools to speak to students about his background as a roofer and promoting a roofing career and the opportunities the industry offers.
He has now been put in charge of mentoring the newest apprentice, Jack Lal.
Mo said: ‘It’s good to support an apprentice because it allows me to teach Jack and pass on my knowledge. It’s good to show him how hard work pays off through recognition, education and responsibility, and showing him that when you work hard.” And if you keep learning, you can progress very quickly in this industry.”
Jack, who is 17, recently joined after completing the Juniper buildpath course. Having shown a keen interest in the roofing trade and an exemplary attendance and great attitude towards his work, he displayed the same qualities seen in Mo 2020.
After a two-week trial internship and passing the Construction Skills Certification Scheme exam, he was offered training at SPV Special Projects in panel and facade cladding.
Jack said: “For me, the roofing apprenticeship is a great way to start my roofing career. It allows me to gain a full understanding of roofing and siding while learning on-site and at the centre.
“It gives me extra motivation to work with Mo because I know he has embarked on the same journey that I am about to embark on and see the success he has had.”
From the left; Jon Hall, James Harris, Tyler Newall and Kate Whatley
Kate Whatley, SPV Commercial Director, gushed: “Mo and Jack are proof of how much hard work and dedication can ensure progress in the roofing industry. Her attitude and approach to her work is exemplary and it is fantastic to see a successful trainee mentoring a new trainee in the company. Mo and Jack have a bright future ahead of them.”
Kyle Moseley-Wlodarz at the Skillbuild competition
SPV had more good news recently: Apprentice slate and tiler Kyle Moseley-Wlodarz recently took part in the highly regarded SkillBuild competition, run in conjunction with the Construction Industry Training Board and Works Skills.
Kyle finished second in his regional run at the Simian Training Center in Warrington and is now awaiting word on whether he will compete in the National Final in Milton Keynes in November.
*To find out more about the training center and the courses offered by SPV visit spvtraining.co.uk
www.expressandstar.com
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2023/07/12/success-for-spv-apprentices/
