Building school-leavers’ tomorrows today

Sixth formers across the country reluctant to rack up more than £50,000 worth of university debt are urged to consider building materials company Hanson UK’s higher apprenticeship programme.

Over 50 school-leavers have been through the company’s Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) programme since 2011.

The three-year scheme offers a competitive salary as well as a fully-funded degree programme and combines practical hands on experience with a distance-learning Foundation Degree in Minerals Extractive Technology from the University of Derby. Would-be apprentices need a minimum of two A levels (grade C or above), or equivalent, five GCSEs including Maths, Science and English, plus a full driving licence.

Hanson’s talent and development manager, Karen Wright said: “Our LEAD apprentice programme is a great way of fast-tracking a career in the construction sector without accumulating the debt associated with traditional university courses. Many of our apprentices are now in supervisory and management roles across our business.”

Emily Burridge, who was part of the 2016 LEAD intake, will soon be taking up a new role as concrete technical supervisor for Hanson. Reflecting on her career to date she said: “After A levels you have a lot of options. For me, the LEAD programme offered a way of learning which combined a decent salary with a company actively supporting you through your degree and onto a management role.”

The closing date for 2018 applications is March 13.

For more details on the application process visit hanson.co.uk  and click on careers.