A manufacturer is urging the government to take further action to help businesses of all sizes unlock the potential of apprenticeships.
The HEX Group has employed apprentices for 15 years and says more needs to be done to remove barriers that prevent businesses from taking part in the scheme.
The Hixon-based company welcomes approximately 20 new apprentices each year and has taken proactive steps to support other businesses in overcoming apprenticeship hurdles.
Having trained more than 200 apprentices in fields such as welding, graphics and signage, business administration and engineering, the group launched its managed apprenticeship scheme last year to empower companies and help them realise the potential of apprenticeships while removing the obstacles of resources and administration.
Later this month they will be opening a new state-of-the-art centre of excellence which will serve as a dedicated training hub for apprentices and the wider workforce.
It is the first time The HEX Group will have a dedicated area for practical training and development rather than theory and will use it to upskill its entire workforce to bridge the skills gap in the manufacturing industry.
Karen Barnacle, Group People and Culture Director at The HEX Group, said: “The HEX Group has enjoyed 15 wonderful years of supporting apprentices so far. However, we know from our own experiences how complicated and time-consuming implementing a scheme can be.
“Employers are responsible for recruiting and selecting apprentices, providing on-the-job training and mentoring, keeping accurate records, adhering to regulations, and then supervising and evaluating progress too. Apprenticeships are a long-term commitment, and employers need the resources to be able to deliver a comprehensive and mutually beneficial programme.
“While extra government funding is clearly a positive, what is missing is the support in actually setting up the right infrastructure within a SME for apprenticeships to flourish. Given the knowledge and the benefits we’ve gleaned from managing our own apprentices since 2010, we’re committed to making apprenticeships far more accessible to businesses of all sizes.
“Our managed apprenticeship scheme takes the complication out of providing training and day-to-day management, so businesses can benefit from fresh, young talent without any of the inconvenience.”
Two apprentices from The HEX Group’s first cohort 15 years ago have progressed with the company and shared their stories as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Louis Spalding, who started his apprenticeship in 2010 and is now a mechanical project manager, credits the scheme with shaping his career.
He said: “I owe my career to my apprenticeship. It’s not just about the hands-on training to develop technical skills, it’s also about the mentorship and pastoral support I received, which gave me confidence and direction. Fast forward 15 years and I’m proud to still be a part of The HEX Group, having held several roles in various departments.”
Tommy Buckley, now a project engineer, also began his journey with the company’s first cohort of apprentices.
He said: “The skills I learned early on shape everything I do, even now, 15 years later. With the HEX Group apprenticeship programme, it’s not just about learning a job. It’s about growing as a person too, through learning to think critically, solving problems and leading projects. These are the skills that I’ve relied on throughout every step of my career.
“Apprenticeships really do equip the next generation for long-term success, and Louis and I, plus hundreds of others at The HEX Group, really are a testament to that.”
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, The HEX Group hosted a STEM open day at its site and is also visiting Staffordshire schools and colleges throughout the week to provide local students with more information about apprenticeships. These sessions will allow prospective apprentices to learn more about available opportunities.
William Davies-Hill, who has managed the HEX Group’s apprenticeship programme for nine years, said: “Apprentices are a vital part of the success of our company – as well as those we support through our managed apprenticeship scheme – bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and creativity. We’re proud to support the growth of talented individuals who will shape the future of our business and build meaningful, rewarding careers, and many of our apprentices, like Louis and Tommy, have gone on to become valued full-time employees.”
