Apprenticeships at SQS
Developing new talent is central to the continued growth and success of our business. Our apprentice scheme provides the bridge between education and the world of work.
In joining SQS as an apprentice you will be joining a company that truly values the contribution you can make to our business, and is fully committed to investing in you and your future.
Our apprentice scheme is fully supported by our own in-house training academy, and you can be assured of the high-quality training and supervised learning that will allow your talent to reach its potential.
Apprentices at SQS are given the opportunity to work on some of the most critical infrastructure renewal projects in the UK, helping to deliver complete reinstatement solutions that protect the environment and enhance the communities we serve.
We strongly believe in giving back to the local community. Our apprenticeship scheme seeks to help develop young people who live in the local areas surrounding our Depots.
Our apprentices come from a variety of backgrounds within the local community. All are offered a programme with a dedicated mentor to help them learn the trade on site, an opportunity to experience working with a variety of surfaces (black and white top work).
You will begin with an induction which will tell you all about your role and how it fits into SQS and the industry. In your initial training you will learn all the basics and core skills, including Health & Safety, The SQS Way and First Aid at Work. You will be expected to attain competency in the proficient use of tools and equipment including small plant.
On completion, you will have a good appreciation of Highway Maintenance practices and be able to work competently within an SQS Highway Maintenance team.
Successful candidates in the SQS Apprenticeship scheme will achieve:
- Level 2 Apprenticeship in Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative
- Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 1 or 2 (unless exempt)
All training provided will be a mixture of ‘on and off’ the job and class room based.
Case Study
Tom joined the SQS Apprenticeship programme in 2014. He learnt quickly and impressed his colleagues with his positive attitude and commitment. On completing his apprenticeship in 2015 he took up a role as an operative on the UKPN contract. Since then Tom has continued to develop his career with SQS. In 2017 Tom was promoted to ganger and is well regarded by his team mates and customers.
Reflecting on his time as an apprentice Tom stated:
“It was a great opportunity for me. The practical hands-on training combined with the classroom learning at the training academy helped me get a real appreciation of the SQS approach to high quality reinstatement work”
Florin’s Story
Florin shares his story about the SQS apprenticeship programme.
Why I chose this Apprenticeship
I chose an apprenticeship with SQS because the apprenticeship programme and the set up and introduction to the company were exactly what I was looking for.
The apprenticeship had a good flexible balance of allowing me to find the correct role for myself in the company as well as having a solid plan in place to allow me to achieve my NVQ Level 2 in good time whilst gaining a lot of practical work experience.
The training and support received
When I started the Apprenticeship programme, I had a one-month induction to give me a good grounding into the apprenticeship and what my job would involve.
As well as theory-work there were practical lessons/activities and some work with an external training provider, Tendean Training. The external training provider supported my NVQ work.
During the Apprenticeship scheme, I had experience working on site with reinstatement on the Affinity Water Contract and within the Head Office as Contract Admin on the Triio Contract. I also received other internal training with SQS including my Operatives NRSWA and Grab Driver Qualification.
What happened on completion of the scheme
After the scheme, I was in a position where I had sound all round knowledge and practical skills in highways reinstatement as well as demonstrating the competence required in the role.
I also had knowledge on how all aspects of SQS and QRS, which is SQS’s recycling company, work together. I am also able to make responsible decisions that will benefit the company, our clients and our customers.
My ideal job
When I completed the scheme, I had no set ideal job within SQS. They had explained that we would be able to try our hands at different roles in the company throughout the apprenticeship, so that we can establish where we fit and work best and I believe this works better for the Apprentice and SQS.
This way you can find your ideal job role and not aim for something or do something that doesn’t work well for you or the company. I have spent time working as part of a 2 person team completing backfill, tarmacking and stone masonry for the Affinity Water Contract.
Recently, I have started a new role working at the SQS Head Office as a planner for the EPN Contract.
