Toshiba Carrier UK (TCUK) Apprenticeship Programme is celebrating 10 years of training success, helping the business develop its own talent to offset the impact of a growing skills shortage affecting the UK building services industry.
After a decade, the programme continues to evolve to meet the needs of the industry, with HVAC trainees completing a three-year course covering topics such as technical support, controls and building services projects to successfully graduate from the programme.
Today, TCUK apprentices and former apprentices employed as full team members make up 55% of the company’s technical team, and 70% of the pre-sales and design team. And several former apprentices have been promoted to senior management positions and key technical sales roles.
The initiative is part of a TCUK-wide apprenticeship programme covering a range of disciplines, including equipment servicing and logistics.
“Before we launched the programme 10 years ago, there were signs of a serious skills shortage developing and we decided to do something about it,” said Neil Wooldridge, Technical Director, TCUK. “It has been hugely successful because many of the young people who have come through the programme have gone on to become managers and key members of the team. It is often difficult to recruit the right people, and this approach allows us to develop and train people the right way from the start.’’
The programme benefits were highlighted at a recent TCUK customer event to launch the company’s new SHRM Advance VRF system. Adam Jennings, a former apprentice and now a pre-sales design engineer, updated customers on enhancements to Toshiba Air Conditioning's selection tool and introduction of the R-32 VRF system, while Cameron Beech, another ‘graduate’ of the scheme and now DX and VRF product manager, explained the advantages of the company’s new Digital Inverter range, and its online commissioning, warranty and training platforms.
Trainee HVAC technical support engineers spend four days a week working on site or in a Toshiba Air Conditioning office, alongside college day-release to study air conditioning and refrigeration. It is a similar arrangement for apprentice controls engineers, who work toward electrical qualification.
Neil Wooldridge believes the programme offers young people an important alternative route into the workplace: “Our apprentices are paid while they learn a trade, and I would say to anyone looking to continue their education – you couldn’t join a better business. In addition to apprenticeships, there is a worldwide study fund available. Some have achieved degrees and others more job-related qualifications. It’s good for the individual and increases the level of knowledge within the business.’’
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