22 August 2012

The search is on for the latest batch of entrants to Costain’s apprenticeship programme, with applications needed by the end of August.

There are 10 vacancies available in fields ranging from engineering construction to business administration, at sites from Inverness to near Bristol.

The Company’s apprenticeship scheme has been running in its current form since 2010 and has been going very well, says Apprenticeship Manager, Val Thompstone.

One useful facet of the scheme is that young recruits, who may not have decided on their career path when they join the Company, don’t have to make that choice until halfway through the second year of their apprenticeships. This gives them the chance to switch tracks if they decide their initial choice is not for them, or if they develop a passion for another trade or profession.

Apprenticeships are coming back into fashion in the UK after a period in the doldrums.The Government is increasingly encouraging companies to take on apprentices, but Costain is ahead of the pack.

The 10 places will be advertised internally and through local enterprise agencies and appropriate training providers. Applicants should initially visit www.costain.com and click through the links from ‘Working with Costain’. Internal applicants are welcome and should apply in the first instance via the iCosnet home page.

Shortlisted candidates will normally be invited to an assessment day at the relevant office or project where they will be given the opportunity to look around the project, meet staff and ask any questions they may have.

There will be presentations by senior staff on the project’s scope and aims and the activities the successful candidates are likely to be involved in. They will also learn about the Apprenticeship Scheme in general and meet the training provider.

Current apprentices will also be on hand to give first-hand accounts of what life as an apprentice with Costain is really like.

Ends