Apprenticeships offer piles of challenges

Preston-based business Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd is using National Apprenticeship Week 2022 to highlight its investment in two young people who want to become part of the foundation of Britain, as it builds infrastructure, housing and climate change solutions fit for the future.

Sheet Piling UK is the country’s number one sheet piling specialist, working on some of the most prestigious projects in the sector, whether that be HS2, the Silvertown Tunnel project under the Thames, or urban redevelopment projects such as that of Battersea Power Station.  

It has recently created two apprenticeships for Chloe Greenwood and Chris Webber, both of whom aspire to be a part of this exciting programme of engineering activity, working on-site, at the sharp end of the varied projects that Sheet Piling UK undertakes, in locations as far apart as the Isle of Harris and Clacton-on-Sea.

The apprenticeship structure will be based on on-the-job assessments and will lead to an NVQ 2 Piling Attendant qualification.  The two apprentices will learn about all forms of piling, with a particular focus on the steel sheet pile in which Sheet Piling UK specialises.

They will achieve the Construction Plant Competence Scheme’s (CPCS) Blue card, demonstrating their ability to act as a slinger signaller and to do so safely, with all the necessary skills required. 

A slinger signaller acts as the eyes and ears of a crane operator who cannot see things around them and the role requires a diligent approach and lots of concentration and focus.  To acquire the skills required to do this, both apprentices will undergo a four-day course, as well as learning on the job.

The apprentices should also achieve the Red card standard, signifying they have passed theoretical and practical CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) health, safety and environment tests. 

In addition, they will gain health and safety awareness and Emergency First Aid at Work accreditations and be awarded a Construction Skills Certification Scheme Card, to reflect their occupation and qualifications within the industry. 

Both will have to submit evidence and write-ups to suit particular briefs, in order to assess their competency, as they complete their NVQ.

The two apprentices have already added value to Sheet Piling UK, by highlighting how enhanced communication would be helpful and allow them to feed upon ongoing instruction, rather than having to try to grasp some elements of the job themselves.  

This has proved helpful, as communication is something that can be pushed down the priority list, when in the throes of work on a busy construction site, where concentration and focus is placed on the installation itself or the health and safety aspects around it.

24-year-old Chloe Greenwood, from Wibsey near Bradford says: “I am enjoying learning on the job and find help is always there, if I have a question.  I want to become extremely competent in my role and complete my apprenticeship to the highest standard, whilst understanding the other roles out on site.

Chris Webber from Burscough (aged 23) has other key aspirations.  He says, “I enjoy acquiring new skills and am excited at knowing that I am going to be travelling around the UK, having independence and more than one mentor to talk to.  I can’t wait to achieve my slinger signalling qualification and to learn how to drive a crane or a forklift.  I also want to become a very good welder." 

Speaking about the creation of these on-site apprenticeships, Andrew Cotton, managing director of Sheet Piling UK, says: “We have already received great satisfaction from seeing two enthusiastic young people grasp our world and engage with the type of work we do.  Getting out on to live sites could be daunting for some, but Chloe and Chris are fully embracing the opportunity and providing us with new insight, as we go along. 

“We predict that both of these young people will have a very bright future in the world of sheet piling and also help erode the impression that jobs in this sector are only for older construction sector professionals.  There is plenty of opportunity for those with ambition and drive and we think that Chloe and Chris can be trailblazers for our apprenticeship programme.” 

More information about the company can be found at www.sheetpilinguk.com and enquiries about future apprenticeship opportunities can be directed to the team on 01772 794141.