A new academic year has begun at Castleford College with hundreds of students embarking on their next steps with us, including new apprentices Bailey and Nathan, undertaking their Level 3 Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Apprenticeships. On hand to launch this new chapter for them were their employers, Biffa, who are keen supporters of the College’s apprenticeship offering.
As the leading sustainable waste management company in the UK, with bases in Hull, Grimsby and Nottingham where the students are based, Biffa has made the decision to recruit and train apprentices, providing a route to a rewarding career whilst achieving a nationally recognised qualification.
Richard Hoyland, Biffa Regional Fleet Engineer for East Anglia & Humberside, said: “We’re continually looking for new routes to attract talent into our industry, and this apprenticeship programme with Castleford College allows our apprentices to learn from people who have been in the industry for over four decades, ensuring that these lifelong and sought after skills aren’t lost.”
Biffa Workshop Manager for Grimsby, Chris Williams, also added: “Castleford College has proven to be a brilliant apprenticeship training provider to work with through this process due to the college set-up, support and facilities, as not all colleges offer the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance & Repair apprenticeship like they do. We worked with Castleford College throughout the rigorous recruitment process which led us to secure some of the most promising candidates who have shown a strong eagerness to learn.
“We’re dedicated to taking on more apprentices in the future in order to build our skilled workforce and make meaningful contributions to our industry.”
Bailey and Nathan enjoyed their induction for the Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance & Repair Apprenticeship in the HGV workshop, with Nathan commenting: “I was excited about coming to Castleford College and I have really enjoyed the induction, finding out what we will be learning in the different units. The apprenticeship is very engaging, the skills you learn are transferrable and you are required to use your initiative all the time.”
Bailey agreed; “Initially, I had some nerves, but my experience has been truly enriching. The workshops here are excellent and there’s a lot more you learn about than just vehicles; its logical thinking.”
The Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance & Repair Apprenticeship is ideal for those who are wanting to enter the automotive industry, teaching them how to inspect, service and repair heavy vehicles.
Castleford College offers a variety of apprenticeships, providing businesses across all sectors a route to harness fresh new talent.