Apprenticeships at Crowther & Shaw: What You Need to Succeed
Over the years, we’ve welcomed countless apprentices to our team – but what does it take to do well here?
In our latest blog post, we focus on how Crowther & Shaw apprenticeships work, the qualification our new starters are working towards and the opportunities available to them upon completion. Read on…
“In our contracting department, all four project managers started at Crowther and Shaw as apprentices.” says our Director, Elliot Gledhill. “They now turn over millions of pounds worth of work each per year and successfully design, run and manage projects.”
Back in 1985, our Managing Director, Mark, originally joined us an apprentice. Before long, he’d worked his way through several roles before eventually heading up the company.
“Several long-serving engineers across the business also started as apprentices, including Andrew Turner, who has worked with us for 30 years and has proved a valuable and reliable asset to the service department.” continues Elliot.
At the time of writing this blog post, we have four apprentices on our books – two school leavers and two who joined the team as labourers. After proving themselves reliable team members with great ability and a good work ethic, the latter were soon enrolled onto a college course to further their skills.
‘I feel supported and valued as I learn to grow’
Our apprentices work towards their ‘NVQ Level 3 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering’, which gives them all the skills they need to start making their mark in the industry.
Senior apprentice, Kriss, says his apprenticeship with us is ‘the perfect mix of challenge and enjoyment’. “The team spirit here is amazing, and I always feel supported and valued as I learn and grow.” he says.
Performance Monitoring is Key to Committed Apprentices
Support is something we offer in abundance here at Crowther & Shaw. Not only do we want to train – and be proud of – the next generation of engineers, we’re keen too on strengthening the company with the right team members.
Crowther & Shaw apprentices, therefore, have monthly meetings with our management team. This helps us monitor performance and discuss any issues they may be having. “Our apprentices attend college on a regular basis to develop knowledge and complete exams, and we also ensure they receive a wide range of work experience across service, install and maintenance.” says Elliot.
In terms of the skills and traits needed to stand out as an apprentice at Crowther & Shaw, Elliot says ‘an ability to look at problems and solve them’ is high on the priority list.
Elliot and Mark also ask that apprentices come armed with dedication to working responsibly – and a commitment to do great work. “The support is there from the management team though, when required.” Elliot adds.
A Role You Can Take Pride In
“Our apprentices can take pride in working for such a long-established company where staff get looked after. We ask that they come to us with a good work ethic, an eagerness to learn, and the confidence to ask questions when they’re not sure.”
Our recently qualified apprentice, Dom W, has nothing but positive things to say about his Crowther & Shaw apprenticeship. “I really enjoyed working across the wide variety of sites the business covers.” he says. “I felt supported, and I was really happy to have now qualified and been put into my own van.”
‘Every day brings new challenges’
Alex R is one of our more recent apprenticeship recruits. He says: “I really enjoy being an apprentice at Crowther and Shaw because every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. Working alongside experienced engineers has given me hands-on experience in all aspects of refrigeration and air conditioning, from installation and maintenance to troubleshooting complex systems.”
Alex says he takes pride in developing practical skills while contributing to high-quality work. “Being part of such a supportive and knowledgeable team motivates me to keep learning and improving in this trade.”
Keen to join our apprenticeship scheme too? We’d love to hear from you; head to our careers page to find out more.
Until next time…
