29 February 2016
The Portakabin Group Wins Three Awards for its Work with Apprenticeships
The Portakabin Group has won three awards for its outstanding work with apprenticeships - two National Apprenticeship Awards for Yorkshire and the Humber, and Large Employer of the Year at the York Apprenticeship Awards.
The National Apprenticeship Awards, which are run by the National Apprenticeship Service, recognise excellence in businesses that grow their own skilled workforce through apprentices. The Portakabin Group was the regional winner in the 'Large Employer' category and Martin Kennedy, Production and Logistics Trainer, won the award for 'Apprenticeship Champion of the Year'.
The Portakabin Group's achievements have also been recognised and celebrated at the York Apprenticeship Awards, where the company won the 'Large Employer of the Year' category for the second consecutive year.
Derek Carter, Chief Executive of the Portakabin Group said, "These awards are very important to us, having moved from just one apprenticeship in 2011 to 60 trainees this year, showing just how far we have come."
"Apprenticeships have allowed us to engage with individuals who are eager to learn, which is having a beneficial impact on other working colleagues. We have continued to expand the opportunities for apprenticeships and other trainee roles across the business and plans are now underway to create a 'Portakabin Group Training Academy'."
"The award to Martin Kennedy is justly deserved. He has made a very significant contribution to apprenticeships, not just within our business but also in the York and Leeds areas. His passion and enthusiasm are unsurpassed and he consistently goes above and beyond, positively influencing schools and young people, and developing innovative new schemes to give us the skills needed for the future of the business."
Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service said, "Apprenticeships deliver for businesses, individuals and the economy. They enable young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and for businesses, this is a productive and effective way for them to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce."
"The Portakabin Group has been recognised as a winner in Yorkshire and Humberside and we would like to congratulate them on this achievement. They deserve to be rewarded for all their efforts and contribution."
The Portakabin Group employs more than 1,700 people in the UK and in seven countries across Europe, and has been delivering innovative building solutions in a range of public and commercial sectors for the past 50 years.
The Group has increased its apprenticeships every year since 2011. In addition to its 'trade' apprenticeships with schemes for joinery, electricians, decorating, plumbing, welding and metal fabrication, it has now introduced commercial trainees in its Hire Division; an environmental apprentice in the health and safety team; CAD design and project management apprenticeships; a specialist modular building engineering apprenticeship, and an administrative apprentice in Scotland.
The Portakabin Group is part of the Shepherd Group.
Editor's Note
Portakabin, Portakabin Group, Yorkon, Foremans, Portaloo, Konstructa and Oecon are registered trademarks. Portakabin must only be used to refer to modular buildings that are known to have been manufactured by the Portakabin Group. Please note, Portakabin is not a generic term.
