At DL M&E, we're passionate about nurturing the next generation of skilled tradespeople, which is why we were thrilled to join JTL Open Day this National Apprenticeship Week. We visited their excellent new electrical and plumbing apprentice training facility in Preston, Lancashire. Many of DL's apprentices have completed the JTL programme and can therefore attest to its high standards in quality training.
With a 38% first-time pass rate on the AM2, JTL is a top training provider, offering significantly higher pass rates than many of its peers. Their focus on quality is evident when touring their 11-month-old Preston centre, one of their newest.
There is growing interest among young people seeking careers in the trades, as evidenced by the addition of further new JTL centres across the UK, with Newcastle and Merseyside next in line.
Engaging with the JTL team and apprentices, DL M&E could recognise the immediate benefits of the very hands-on style of training these new workshop-type facilities provide, with a plumbing or electrical bay for each apprentice. Scroll through the gallery for highlights from our visit, showing the bays. We can't show you the AM2 assessment simulation rooms, but there are multiple assessment training bays fitted to a high standard.
During our meeting with Chris Claydon MA, JTL's Chief Executive, he explained the challenges employers face in taking on apprentices amid the current economic climate. He highlighted the importance of the government doing its part to provide more support, enabling especially smaller companies to hire additional apprentices.
In his role as JTL's Chief Executive, Chris is clearly passionate about the future of our industry and providing the skills it desperately needs. He described how he is lobbying the government for more tax breaks and incentives, particularly for smaller companies, to encourage them to take on more apprentices to build the UK's workforce.
JTL's work is vital in supporting the future of the construction industry. As a non-profit charitable company, surplus funding and income is reinvested directly into building better and more accessible training facilities. We're excited to continue our partnership with JTL and other local providers such as Beau Associates Electrical Training, and we encourage other employers to explore apprenticeship opportunities.
