In partnership with Apprentices for Business (A4B), Hampshire based Hambrooks has just taken on seven apprentices to add to their 80 strong work force.
Hambrooks chose to collaborate with A4B, a not-for-profit Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) as they have close connections with Sparsholt College, a specialist provider of land and environment training and understand the challenges of the horticulture industry. A4B advertised the vacancies on their own dedicated jobs website, at local Job Centres and on the National Apprenticeship Service’s website and was overwhelmed with responses.
A4B’s expertise in the horticulture field was crucial to not only attracting and recruiting suitable candidates, but also in understanding Hambrooks requirements and providing them with high calibre applicants who would fit in with the culture and values of the company. A4B’s involvement continues throughout the two-year apprenticeship as they provide mentoring for the apprentices and support them when they return to Sparsholt College during the winter months to study towards their work-based diplomas (NVQ).
The six men and one woman will be working alongside the company’s skilled teams to gain practical experience and are a vital part of Hambrooks strategy for organic growth within the business.
Together with a bid to support government initiatives to help the local young unemployed get a foothold in the workplace, it was always the long held ambition of Managing Director, Norman Hambrook, to use his forty years experience in the business to help nurture the next generation of landscapers.
He he told The Landscaper, “ There are many talented youngsters within the local community who are keen to be given the opportunity to work and apprenticeships are ideal way to discover raw talent. It is also great for the company as it is a tried and tested method of developing and harnessing a highly skilled workforce.”
Three further apprenticeships may be available for this year, and as part of Hambrooks long term recruitment strategy the company is already looking into offering more apprenticeships in 2013.
Tel 01489 780505