Partner Article

Ilkley’s NG Bailey reports unprecedented surge in apprenticeship applications

Ilkley-based NG Bailey has received an unprecedented surge in online applications for its 2014 intake of apprentices, demonstrating the ‘earn and learn’ route is more popular than ever.

NG Bailey, the independent engineering, IT and facilities services business has received over 350 online applications in the first few days of advertising its new apprentice roles, that will start in September.

As a long-standing supporter of apprentices, NG Bailey’s highly regarded scheme started in 1934 and has since trained over 5,000 apprentices. 80 years on, it continues to turn out some of the best young talent.

Mike Darlington started out as an apprentice at NG Bailey 33 years ago. He is now managing director of the Engineering division. He explains: “On average, we receive 150 applications per place, so it’s more important than ever to stand out. I always wanted to prove myself and be the best; I instinctively knew that if I did a good job I would get on. That’s a common trait of all our apprentices.”

David Hurcomb, the company’s CEO, adds: “We always receive a huge amount of applications for our apprenticeship scheme, but early signs look like this year could be the most we’ve ever had. Focus is shifting and apprenticeship routes are definitely appealing to a larger number of youngsters.”

NG Bailey currently recruits an average of 30 new applicants each year, to work across all areas of the business, including engineering, heating and ventilation and plumbing, as well as newer schemes such as facilities management and bids and proposals. It invests over £3 million annually in apprenticeships and employee training and development.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .