Apprentice Seminar Scheduled For April

28 January 2013

Costain's Annual Apprentice Seminar gives apprentices valuable advice on how to succeed in their chosen careers and a clear understanding about why they are so important to the future success of the business.

Scheduled to take place between April 3-5 at Wyboston Lakes Conference Centre in Bedfordshire, apprentices from across the business will have the opportunity, through group team building activities and workshops, to develop their core skills. These include listening and questioning skills, negotiating and assertiveness training and learning the importance of community relations.

Investing in young people and helping the industry address the long-term skills shortage is an integral component of Costain Cares, the Group's strategy to build a long-term sustainable business that is more responsive - economically, socially and environmentally - to the needs of its stakeholders and the communities in which it works.

"Costain recognises the importance of being a responsible business, supporting our customers' needs through effective management of environmental, social and economic issues to meet our objectives. That includes giving opportunities to young people through supporting training programmes, both on and off site," said Val Thompstone, Costain's Apprentice and NVQ Manager.

"The Apprentice Seminar is a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to develop their core skills. The emphasis is on personal development through team building and gaining a better understanding about why these core skills are so important to the wider business," said Val.

Now in its third year, the Costain Apprentice Scheme delivers excellent training and employment opportunities to young people seeking a career in the construction and civil engineering industry.

The Scheme was set up to address the need for succession planning in vital roles and ensure the next generation of qualified employees, other than those on the Graduate Trainee Scheme, could still enter the business. Costain currently has apprenticeships in a number of industry critical disciplines, including building and civil engineering, electrical installation, business administration, laboratory technician, accountancy, instrument design, civil/structural design and piping design.

All those on an apprenticeship are encouraged to gain technical professional membership of the relevant Institution while being mentored and supported along the way. The apprenticeships are provided by a variety of Agencies, but all include a technical certificate and an NVQ at Level 3 as a minimum, and each varies in length from between two and four years.

Here are some examples of what recent apprentices have had to say about Costain's Apprentice Scheme:

Chris Biggin, Apprentice Electrician at Costain Energy & Process, said: "As an apprentice, I never feel alone. Costain people fully support the apprenticeship scheme and always ensure your best interests are considered. I am surrounded by people who try to push my career forward and help in any way they can."

Jynul Ahmed, Apprentice Engineer, Crossrail, said: "To know that I'm playing a part in the construction of an enormous project such as Crossrail is an amazing feeling. Costain does its best to keep the apprentices and new starters in the loop, and I love the fact that my work is recognised and appreciated no matter how big or how small. Working as a Civil Engineer has been a dream of mine since childhood, and it's thanks to Costain that this dream is now becoming a reality."

Craig Steven - Electrical Maintenance Apprentice - Oil and Pipeline Agency, said: "I have had the opportunity to take part on a lot of different projects within the Costain set-up and I have gained a lot of valuable experience in my chosen field. My day ranges from learning electrical maintenance from my mentor to helping pump essential fuels to military airbases around our area. I attend college every Friday. Costain has welcomed me with open arms and I really feel like I'm on the road to success."

If you're interested in attending the seminar or know someone who may be interested in a Costain Apprenticeship, then please contact Val Thompstone at val.thompstone@costain.com

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