Cornwall Group has been nominated in the Large Employer of the Year category in the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards 2022, reflecting our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent within the region.
Apprenticeships are highly regarded within all of our companies, and many of our group’s senior employees – including board directors – joined our independent family-owned business via an apprenticeship.
Cornwall Group Apprenticeship Journey is an occupational competency training and assessment programme designed to highlight and promote a career in the glass and business industry, and to develop new skills and careers. It’s a key element in our company’s strategy for growth post-Covid, as well as bringing a new generation into the IGU and glass processing industry through wide variety of roles from production through to business administration.
“We have many colleagues in senior positions, including two managing directors, who started out on an apprenticeship scheme,” Cornwall Group Chair Mark Mitchell said. “It’s this opportunity to progress beyond an initial apprenticeship and to continue to develop their career with us which we believe makes our programme stand out.”
Maisie Simpson, who is doing an 18-month apprenticeship in Marketing through Truro College, is one of 20 people on our apprenticeship programme.
“I’m really loving working at Cornwall Glass,” Maisie enthused. “The whole experience is really eye opening.
“I researched the company before I started, but I had no idea how big it is, and how many opportunities there are within the company. I can see real routes where I could progress, and I know that previous apprentices have made it to senior management level.”
Another one of our recent apprentices is Kieran James, who is currently doing a Level 3 in Glass Processing.
“Both the college and the team leaders are really supportive,” he said. “They ask me what I want to do next, or what job would I like to try, and l like that. I’m not the sort of person to ask to try a different job so it’s nice they encourage me.”
Cornwall Group has developed highly successful partnerships with our training partners. This is based around a regional model, which includes specialist training from Cornwall College, Truro College, GFTS and Focus Training.
Our company communicates clearly what is expected of the apprentices but also what progression delivers. This includes regular salary reviews based on attainment. Other incentives include driving lessons and £100 of high street vouchers.
“Where we believe we are different is the level of investment we make in those colleagues,” Mark Mitchell said. “Not only while they are apprentices but also in support of their ongoing career development.”
The awards are hosted by Truro and Penwith College. Winners across 16 categories will be announced at the gala awards dinner presented by Holly Day and Neil Caddy from Pirate FM on Friday November 18.
For more information, please call 01726 66325 email info@cornwallglass.co.uk or log on at www.cornwallglass.co.uk .