Paul is convinced his early commitment to this type of training will give Ilkeston Fencing numerous competitive advantages, not least because commercial customers have come to expect formally trained teams working on their contracts.
Offering apprenticeships demonstrates a loyalty to staff, which he believes will be returned, and will ultimately lead to job promotion. In a few years he expects his first apprentices, 19-year-old Jonathan Dalby and 22-year-old Grant Brown, to be training the next generation of fencers…
Ilkeston Fencing in Derbyshire, a family firm founded 16 years ago, has 13 staff providing timber, metal and mesh panel fencing to domestic and commercial customers. The company also manufactures all its own timber fencing in Ilkeston.
Paul’s dedication to apprenticeship training has its roots in his own apprenticeship with British Telecom in the early eighties. He appreciates the depth and quality of training that’s provided by them and believes recognised, sector-specific qualifications will help change the image of the fencing industry.
“Sometimes this industry has a bit of a reputation, but taking apprenticeships and training seriously and investing in our staff will pay for itself with the image we are portraying. Apart from Jonathan and Grant, we have five experienced fitters taking NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) in fencing.
“The apprenticeship is not widely used by the fencing industry, but in the last 12 months it has become more recognised. Commercial customers especially expect the NVQ qualification. It is becoming a requisite that your staff either have or are working towards this. Domestic customers don’t necessarily ask if our lads are trained, but we use it as a selling point.
“Both our apprentices have proved themselves already as labourers and we expect their training to take around two years. I like to think what we are doing is unique in our area. It’s an investment for the long-term and I’m hoping that having qualified staff will lead to more business. This usually depends on price and we are already competitive, so apprenticeships and NVQs will tick a further box.
“Providing this type of training also makes you feel that you’re giving something back. An apprenticeship is a good thing because it’s training for life. I am hoping business will be alright this year – we haven’t seen a downturn yet. And the training will help people make a choice our way.
“I would be disappointed if Jonathan and Grant didn’t progress further. Their next step will be fitting fencing themselves as a team leader with a labourer working under them. In time they will also be able to do all the work on the manufacturing side. And in a few years they could have their own apprentices!”
Jonathan Dalby (19) is enjoying his apprenticeship training: “This is great to get under your belt while you’re young. I want to work here a long while and learn at top level because that’s what takes you a long way. I can see a future in this industry; I enjoy the work – and it keeps me fit!”
Grant Brown (22) added: “I’m enjoying apprenticeship training – you have to really concentrate and put your heart into it. It’s great. Taking the apprenticeship makes me more confident and I’ll be proud when I get my qualifications. I feel good about myself and the job, and being able to stay here – this is a good firm to work for and a good business. It makes a difference to me and to Ilkeston Fencing if I have qualifications. And there’s always fencing to be done, so you can’t run out of work.”
