We recently invited Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, to meet with some of our groundworks apprentices on site at West Coventry Academy.

Through the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are one of the companies that has benefitted from the Levy Transfer Scheme. The scheme enables large employers who pay the apprenticeship levy to transfer up to 25% of their levy funds to SMEs. Transferring levy funds is a way of supporting smaller businesses who wish to recruit apprentices by paying for the apprenticeship training and assessment.

Damien Gallagher, Contracts Manager, explained why McDermotts has chosen to employ apprentices. “There’s a shortage of the young people who historically came into the construction industry. By having the partnership with Salutem, it means there’s a steady flow of young people coming in, helping plug that gap in the workforce.”

McDermotts founded Salutem to become an independent Apprenticeship Centre that provides career opportunities in Construction for young and other people across the region.  This strategic partnership goes from strength to strength with a rolling programme of Apprentices entering the industry through McDermotts.

Andy spent time with apprentices Charlie, Luke and Jake, chatting to them in depth about their apprenticeship.

Luke explained to Andy how he came to apply for his apprenticeship. “I was presented with the opportunity through the Government Gateway website and I haven’t looked back since.”

As one of the older apprentices, Luke is also grateful that his age hasn’t hindered the opportunity or his progress.

After spending some time with the apprentices, Andy was taken on a guided tour of the site. Before leaving, he wished all three good luck with their careers.

You can see more of Andy’s visit on the West Midlands Combined Authority’s social media channels.