North West scaffolding training provider Simian Skill has won two contracts to provide apprenticeship programmes across the region.
The contracts with Skills Solutions and Construction Skills are worth almost £300,000 each year to the Warrington based firm.
Simian Skill is part of the Simian Risk Group, which was founded by directors Ian Fyall and Simon Hughes in 2005. The company runs two apprenticeship programmes at its 15,000sq ft, CISR approved, training centre.
The ‘guaranteed’ apprenticeship programme, which is funded by Skills Solutions in Manchester, provides learners with a Diploma in Scaffolding alongside practical hands on experience.
Simian Skill’s contract with Skills Solutions is worth £100,000 per year – this is the fourth year Simian Skill has won the Skills Solutions contract.
Skills Solutions is the largest work based learning provider in Greater Manchester and one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the North West. It is a member of Manchester Chamber of Commerce and is a not-for-profit organisation.
Following their training Simian Skill liaises with clients and contacts in the construction industry to find employment for the ‘guaranteed’ apprentices that pass the diploma. Simian Skill Training Director Dave Abraham said the ‘guaranteed’ apprentices come from a range of backgrounds, with many long term unemployed, ex-offenders or school leavers.
“Many of these young lads come from deprived areas and tough backgrounds, some are third generation unemployed,” he said.
Simian Skill has also won a new £540,000 three-year modern apprenticeship contract from Norfolk based Construction Skills.
The modern apprenticeship programme, funded by Construction Skills, provides further training to scaffolders already working in the construction industry.
“The modern apprentices work with us over an 18 month period, training with us for ten days before going back to their employer for four months and so on,” Dave said.
Construction Skills is a partner in the Sector Skills Council for Construction, and is a non-departmental public body. This is the fifth year Construction Skills has funded the contract through Simian Skill.
Dave said: “We are delighted to have won these new contracts and to be providing apprenticeship programmes through both Skills Solutions and Construction Skills.
“This will allow us to continue training new scaffolders and to improve and build on the skills of people already working in the industry.”
