Claudia Weeks, Community Content Lead for Fuel Oil News, spoke with Vicky Finch, Head of HR and Talent at New Era Energy, to discuss the apprenticeship programme they offer, and how young people are having a positive impact on the business.
A long-term workforce strategy
Congratulations are in order for the team at New Era Energy as they have just been awarded Platinum status under the Investors in Apprentices accreditation scheme. Claudia asked Vicky why New Era Energy consider their apprentice programme so important.
“We are proud of our apprenticeship programme and what we offer to young people entering the industry,” Vicky began.
“At New Era, we consider the Investors in Apprentices accreditation important because it recognises our commitment to nurturing talent through offering apprenticeships. It reflects our dedication to structured learning and career development. Apprenticeships are not just a recruitment tool for us; they are part of our long-term workforce strategy to grow talent from within and contribute to the wider skills gap in our organisation.”
What do apprenticeships bring to the industry and to the apprentices?
“We have found that apprenticeships bring a fresh pipeline of talent, helping to close skills gaps and future-proof the workforce,” Vicky continued. “They introduce new perspectives (which we encourage), improve diversity, and allow us as a business to shape employees’ development from the ground up, embedding strong capabilities from day one.
“Apprentices gain confidence, and hands-on skills that are directly relevant to their chosen field, setting them up for long-term career success.
“In terms of the cost to the business, we pay our apprenticeship programmes through our Apprenticeship Levy Fund, this is a government scheme to help fund apprenticeship training. We then offer the apprentice 20% of their workweek to study, which is typically one day per week.
“We’re committed to supporting our apprentices by providing them with a dedicated mentor throughout their course – usually their line manager. As they approach the end of their apprenticeship, our HR team will have a conversation with them about possible next steps. If a suitable role is available, they’re likely to be offered a permanent position.”
The impact of accreditation
Claudia asked what the accreditation would mean for New Era and how it would change things for the business? Vicky explained more: “We have recently received the Investor in Apprentices Platinum status which we are delighted about! The accreditation gives validation of the work we’re already doing and the value we place on apprenticeships.
“Internally, it helps strengthen our culture of learning and progression. Externally, it enhances our employer brand to help attract ambitious, great potential individuals.”
The apprentices
Vicky was keen to share some thoughts from three current apprentices at New Era Energy:
Connor Limby-Newton – Transport Apprentice
“I chose to take the apprenticeship route as I wanted to gain real world experience whilst continuing to learn and earn qualifications at the same time.
“I first saw an advert online for New Era and after my interview I had better understanding of what the industry involved. I hope the apprenticeship will lead to a long-term career where I can continue to grow and challenge myself further.”
Mia Bentley – Junior Procurement Negotiator
“I decided on an apprenticeship role after finishing college as I wanted to carry on with my education whilst starting work. I found the job for New Era advertised on Indeed which caught my eye due to it being local to where I live and being an apprenticeship which allowed me to keep learning.
“I had never worked in the fuel industry before so, it was all new to me, however, during my interview, the team explained about the ambitions for New Era, the goals within the company as a whole and what would be expected of me.
“Now two years in, I understand the fuel industry a lot more and enjoy working within it. Now I have passed my apprenticeship, I hope to stay within the Procurement Department and increase my knowledge of New Era as a whole. I am excited to see where my qualifications get me in my future career within the business.’
Tommy Collins – Compliance Officer
“I decided on the apprenticeship route because most businesses required some experience to even apply. As a 19-year-old with little work experience this wasn’t something I had. The apprenticeship provided the perfect opportunity to gain this experience and a route into a full-time job.
“I became aware of New Era through the apprenticeship scheme on the government website. My view on the fuel industry was very limited before joining New Era. After being here for 2 years a lot has changed. The amount of reliance on fuel is huge – it’s such an important industry for the country.
“I’m now on my second apprenticeship at New Era, taking on a more specialised role within the business. My hope is to continue growing with the business and to expand the department.”
The New Era Energy apprentices have clearly made a big impact. Evidently, offering an apprenticeship programme has many benefits for individuals, businesses and the industry as a whole.
Find out how your business can benefit from the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme on page 24.
If you would like to share details of your apprenticeship programme, or if you have an amazing apprentice in your business that you would like to shout about, then please get in touch: claudia@andpublishing.co.uk
Image credit: New Era Energy
