Member Article

Jones Bros named best large company in Wales for construction apprentices

Civil engineering contractor Jones Bros has been named as one of the best companies in the UK construction industry for providing opportunities for apprentices after winning a national award.

The Ruthin-based firm was named Large Apprentice Employer of the Year for Wales at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Apprentice Awards for 2014.

The award, which recognises Jones Bros’ commitment to providing training and apprenticeship opportunities, is the third for the company’s HSEQ and Training department this year.

Jones Bros was named Outstanding Training Partner at the CITB Pride of Construction Awards, and presented a gold medal at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards.

The third-generation family firm is taking on more apprentices than ever before, having recruited 15 over the last 12 months. Each apprentice is either on day release from college in a construction-related discipline, or completes an 8-10 week course at Jones Bros’ training centre, before putting their new skills in practice at projects located across the UK.

Jones Bros’ contracts director John Dielhof said: “Being named Wales’ top large employer of apprentices in the construction industry is a fantastic endorsement of what we’re trying to achieve as a company.

“We’re fully committed to providing training and educational opportunities to young people and giving them an opportunity to make a real contribution to significant civil engineering projects throughout Britain.

“Apprenticeships are extremely important to Jones Bros, helping us ensure that the skills and expertise we need are available, and have plans in place for similar investment over the next 12 months.”

The CITB Apprentice Awards, which was held at Plaisterers’ Hall in London, celebrated the outstanding achievements of apprentices and employers that deliver quality construction apprenticeships across the UK.

Alongside its successful training and apprenticeship programme, Jones Bros is also looking for graduates in disciplines including maths, quantity surveying or construction who have an interest in starting a career in civil engineering.

Founded in the 1950s and employing almost 300 people, Jones Bros has grown rapidly in the last decade. It is currently working on contracts including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence and renewable energy projects around the UK.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .