Calico's flexible approach to apprenticeships

Calico Enterprise provides innovative and flexible schemes for contractors to hire talented apprentices.

For ten years they have been the lead provider of shared apprenticeships across the North West for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). 

Part of a national scheme and funded by the DFE, Calico Enterprise’s Flexi-job apprenticeship scheme provides businesses with the tools to meet their Social Impact targets, provide meaningful opportunities to the local community to help strengthen the ageing workforce of the industry and as a result, secure new contracts. 

Using the connections and partners that Calico Enterprise have within local communities, they can use their expertise to recruit from a wide talent pool to suit the contractor.

Whilst contractors host the apprentice on site, Calico Enterprise takes care of the responsibilities associated with the employment.

Contractors can still hire the apprentice even if they cannot commit to the full two- or three-year duration. 

Contractors receive full pastoral support throughout the employment period and have the option to take over the apprentices’ employment once it is completed.

With current economic uncertainty for the construction sector, this approach provides more reassurance for companies at a time when income is less secure. College fees and CSCS costs are covered by Calico Enterprise and if the contractor is a levy payer, the levy can be transferred to cover the cost. 

Construction companies face tough challenges around local employment targets, especially those who want to deliver on their social value commitments. The scheme addresses these issues with the consultancy service that is provided, even if companies aim to provide opportunities but they move area before the course is complete. 

The scheme is perfect for contractors to hit targets they need within the local area whilst also giving back to the community by putting talented apprentices on a career path.

It also provides reassurance to the industry that aspiring talent does not go missing.

JJ Fitzgerald, managing director at Evolution, said: “Calico’s shared apprenticeship scheme addresses many of the challenges the construction industry faces in a lack of young people being trained. It has enabled us to confidently employe young people in apprenticeships. 

“The support Calico give to both the apprentice and employer is excellent. We have found Calico to be an organisation that shares our passion for developing young people.

“The scheme has allowed us to successfully employ apprentices across the North West over the past two years and we will continue to take advantage the support Calico provides. “There is a long way to go in reversing the skills shortage but the shared apprenticeship scheme you will not only find the process simple, but it will add value to your business.”

ACCREDITATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Lead provider of shared apprenticeships across North West for 10 years for CITB
2nd most inclusive companies across the UK in 2021
Values led company
Supported over 200 apprentices across the North West
Winner of a Chartered Institute of Housing Award Partnership of the Year
A CARING COMPANY
 

Personalised pastoral care is at the heart of what Calico Enterprise offer through their Flexi-job apprenticeship scheme.

This approach ensures that people from all backgrounds are given equal opportunities. 

Calico Enterprise plays a vital part in supporting the apprentices through their apprenticeships to help them achieve their qualification and gain skills to advance in the construction industry.

Callum Slade first started working at Calico as part of the interiors team through a supported work placement. During his placement, a painting & decorating apprenticeship became available through the Flexi-job apprenticeship. 

After applying, Callum took part in a robust recruitment process in which Callum was the strongest candidate and was offered the role.

Due to Callum’s additional needs, the Flexi-job apprenticeship scheme was perfect for helping Callum’s development.

With the pastoral support provided by a specialised apprentice officer role, Callum was supported both in and out of work into maturing into his employment and succeeding in his qualification.

Callum is now thriving in his apprenticeship and working closely with the college and the team at Calico Enterprise to achieve his goals in his apprenticeship.

Callum said: “The shared apprenticeship scheme has given me the chance to get a qualification and hopefully full-time employment at the end of it. 

“It has helped me look onwards and be excited to what my future career holds.”

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calicoenterprise.org.uk