Building firm celebrates apprentice milestone

A building services firm has hit a workforce landmark.

John N Dunn Group has welcomed its 500th apprentice.

Bosses say they are delighted to have hit the milestone, adding they “look forward to training the next generation of plumbers and electricians”.

The North Tyneside-headquartered company’s youngsters undergo a four-year training course that mixes on-the-job training with college-based learning.

Each apprentice works with an experienced plumber or electrician, who acts as a mentor and helps apply classroom studies to real-world scenarios.

Officials say the majority of those that complete their apprenticeships go on to take full-time roles with the firm, which has a 280-strong team operating between South Yorkshire and central Scotland, and works with commercial contractors and housing developers and associations.

Stephen Bilclough, chair, said: “Many members of our senior team started life with us as apprentices, and we like to promote from within and provide employees with opportunities to progress their careers with us.

“We have many examples across the wider business; our current managing director in Yorkshire, James Harris, started life as an apprentice with us.

“Our latest recruits have every opportunity to follow in James’ footsteps.

“We look forward to training the next generation of plumbers and electricians and to continuing to play our part in bridging the skills gap within our industry.”

He added the business recently completed a major workforce investment programme, which saw 40 staff gain new industry accreditations around air source heat pump installation.

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