Lowe & Oliver has launched its new apprentice training facility, the centre for excellence, to mark the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week.
Thousands of pounds have been invested into developing this advanced training facility, which has the capacity to teach not only Lowe & Oliver’s roster of approximately 30 apprentices but dozens more from across central and southern England.
In the facility, there are six bays – five electrical and one mechanical (plumbing), with demo equipment installed to give the apprentices a feel of what a real site looks like. In addition, a classroom and other facilities are enabling the apprentices to learn on and off the tools.
Lowe & Oliver will be using this new centre as part of its pitch to local schools and colleges to encourage more young people into the apprenticeship route. Having been in the industry for over 100 years, Lowe & Oliver has developed a strong reputation in the area for its commitment to apprenticeship development.
Fred Lowe, Lowe & Oliver Director, says, “We’re delighted to have this centre up and running, with our year-one apprentices already on location. The skills shortage is a crisis which is only growing, and we are determined to play our part in helping to develop the next generation of engineers.
”Lowe & Oliver apprentices will be advancing through a mix of onsite work and development learning in our centre for excellence. This unique programme will lead the way not only in Oxfordshire but across the country.”
Paul Tuson, Lowe & Oliver Chairman, says, “Our skills centre has been manufactured for both the practical and technical development of our apprentices – following the curriculum of the Electrical and Mechanical traditional apprenticeship under the NVQ Level 2, 3 and above, supported by the JIB, JTL and BESA.
”Whether specific development is required around mains distribution, power, lighting/controls, building management systems, data, fire security, domestics, gas, heating, ventilation, boilers, or air source heat pump, audiovisual and testing and inspection, vehicle charging, battery, solar or PV – it can deliver.”
”Utilising specific cabling – be that SWA, conduit/singles, FP, LSF, SY, CAT 6A, copper tube, soldered, compression, crimped, plastic pipework systems, MDPE, screwed or welded steel – enhanced training will be provided.”
To read more on Lowe & Oliver, click here.
