A-Plant – the next generation

UK-based rental company A-Plant is set to recruit 150 apprentices in a seven-figure investment that will more than double the number of apprentices it currently employs.

The company, part of the Ashtead Group, made the announcement the start of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until 13 March. The apprentices will join A-Plant in September.

This recruitment drive will bring apprentice numbers at A-Plant up to 250, around 10% of its total staff.

Of these, 39 were recruited in 2014, when the company won the Apprentice Large Employer of the Year Award from the Construction Industry Training Board.

A-Plant head of training Bob Harper said: “Apprentices are the vital next generation of A-Plant and they enable us to gear up for the future.

“Our investment in recruiting and training apprentices has never been higher, and we anticipate that this year it will be in excess of £1 million (€1.39 million).”

The apprenticeship is a mix of class-based learning and practical experience, and typically lasts for three years.