Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce with an Impactful Contribution to National Apprenticeship Week 2024

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, SIMIAN engaged in a series of enriching activities aimed at nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals in the construction industry. From insightful talks by accomplished SIMIAN apprentices to an immersive “Meet the Employer” event, our initiatives were designed to inspire, educate, and empower aspiring individuals to pursue rewarding careers in construction.

Inspirational Talks by SIMIAN past apprentices

One of the highlights of our SIMIAN National Apprenticeship Week celebrations was a series of inspirational talks delivered by past SIMIAN apprentices. These talks provided invaluable insights into their journeys, challenges faced, and triumphs achieved throughout their apprenticeships and subsequent careers in the construction sector. By sharing their personal stories and experiences, these past learners served as beacons of inspiration, demonstrating that with dedication, perseverance, and the right support, anything is achievable in this dynamic industry.

Top advice from some of our guest speakers:

“Although you are starting as a scaffolder, and I encourage you to stay on the tools as long as you can, this apprenticeship and the discipline this requires, opens up doors for lots of other opportunities. My advice? Never burn your bridges in the industry, always be nice and respectful because you never know who you will need in the future.”
– Ben, Scaffolding Skills Coach

“It’s not about getting your apprenticeship and stopping, there is other avenues you can go down. You are always learning, and it’s always good to further your knowledge when the opportunity arises to help you advance.”
– Taylor, NVQ Assessor  

“The desire to become an instructor came through wanting to pass on my knowledge and ability after being on the tools for a long time. I thought I was the best scaffolder in Manchester, and having that confidence in yourself is one of the most important things to progress in your career.”
– Joe, Scaffolding Instructor 

“You do not have to be the best scaffolder in the room, it is all about being here and being interested in learning and progressing. I started scaffolding on a building site at 15 years old, now I have worked on some prestigious projects. Anything is possible if you turn up to work every day and have a good work ethic!”
– Dallas, Scaffolding Health & Safety Advisor

Fostering Connections: Meet the Employer Event

One of the most anticipated events of SIMIAN National Apprenticeship Week was our “Meet the Employer” event, where over 170 students had the opportunity to engage directly with leading employers in the construction industry. This immersive event allowed attendees to explore various trade specialties through hands-on activities and demonstrations, providing a firsthand glimpse into the exciting world of construction. By connecting students with potential employers and showcasing the diverse range of career opportunities available, we hoped to ignite a passion for construction and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.

At SIMIAN, we remain committed to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and driving positive change within the construction sector, and we invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a better future. We work with a wide range of employers across the construction industry, and deliver apprenticeships to all age groups, from school leavers (16-year-olds) to adults.

Interested in a SIMIAN apprenticeship? Email apprenticeships@simain-risk.com