Hertfordshire LEP and the Lieutenancy are working to improve the number and quality of apprenticeship opportunities in Hertfordshire. Together with their take-up by local employers and residents. The Lieutenancy is intent on celebrating excellence in Apprenticeships! It supports those companies and Apprentices who are leading the way in this regard.
The Visit
On Tuesday 5th October, we were delighted to have the company of Sir Tim Wilson at our Hertfordshire office hub in Welwyn Garden City together with LEP Apprenticeship Lead Caroline Cartwright. Tim Wilson joined the University of Hertfordshire in 1991, initially as Deputy Vice Chancellor and then as Vice Chancellor from 2003 to 2010. The Queen bestowed a knighthood on him in the New Years Honours list 2011, for services to higher education and to business. He became a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Hertfordshire in January 2011. Both Tim and Caroline were eager to talk to our apprentices about their courses and their time spent with HBC so far.
They met MD Simon Heywood and 15 of the company’s 17 Apprentices. Whilst the majority of HBC apprentices are following a building surveying career pathway, there are a few apprentices studying different parts of the business. So lots of variety for Sir Tim and Caroline to ask questions!
Following a short break for lunch, Sir Tim spoke with our surveying apprentices. Later, accompanying apprentice building control surveyor Sally Grey on a site visit must have been the highlight of the day! See Sir Tim pictured with Sally above. Experiencing day-to-day building surveying in a hi-vis and a hard hat!
Sir Tim commented
“The company’s commitment to Apprenticeship development is impressive, so is the culture amongst the Apprentices themselves. Common themes of professional integrity and determination to succeed were pervasive throughout this impressive group of young people”
The next generation
The apprenticeship programme has flourished since HBC was opened in 2016. Established to address the skills shortage in building surveying, it allows HBC to train and address the future skills needed for the workforce. Plus the level of construction due to take place in Hertfordshire over the coming decades.
To find out more about our career pathway see our careers section.
Read more about the Lieutenancy and their involvement with local businesses offering apprenticeships
