Employers

Apprenticeships develop more than just skills, it is a gateway to understanding that every apprentice is an ambassador of Abri and is one who leads by the Abri values and behaviours; with the aim of delivering exceptional customer service.

Our apprentices are the future key to a shortage of skilled qualified Fire & Security Engineers. We hope we can retain their talent for years to come as they really strengthen our teams. In terms of culture, employing younger workers means we have a greater and more varied age range which helps diversity and inclusion and brings a youthful dynamic to the workforce.

Apprenticeships have a positive impact on the workforce, I think to invest in Apprentices and develop them within the business shows the rest of the workforce that we value our employees and want to help them grow and succeed.

We have worked closely with Yeovil College over many years and with their support run a very successful apprentice program, resulting with experienced and highly trained Technicians graduating within our business. The Apprenticeship & Careers Fair evening at the college is a great way to meet young people with a desire to progress within our industry and always delivers fantastic candidates.

Honeywell Aerospace Yeovil has a rich history with a successful apprenticeship scheme, and one we continue to nurture and strive to improve upon year on year. Our current Site Leadership Team is made up of 90% ex apprentices, support functions such as Team Leads and Manufacturing Engineers are around 60%, and of course our manufacturing and business teams are also heavily populated with those that have gone through our scheme. Figures show that employees that begin as an apprentice, generally stay twice as long in the business as someone who hasn’t. In our Integrated Supply Chain side of the business, we currently have 45 apprentices across Craft (Fitting & Machining) and Business. This is likely to increase to 55 following 2025 intake, roughly one in eight is an apprentice. We work close with Yeovil College and have built up a good rapport with their whole team. Together we have a tailored communication plan and regular on site assessments to ensure that we are aligned and that our learners stay on track throughout their 4 year journey.

My apprenticeship has provided me with a learning experience that allows me to develop my knowledge, boost my confidence and improve my transferrable skills whilst in a work environment.

Everyone has their own way of learning, mine was an apprenticeship. I was very fortunate to have a wide support network during my studies – the combination of Yeovil College and my employer provided me with skills and knowledge to guide me to success within the field of IT. Apprenticeships don’t only provide you with knowledge, but also with many fundamental life skills which give you an advantage when seeking future job opportunities.

My experience at Yeovil College has been excellent since the day I have joined. Being an apprentice has opened up many opportunities which I can take forward and develop. I have had a lot of support during my apprenticeship from my team and my assessor which helps my career progression! From this I have developed into a more well-rounded individual, and I feel ready to take my next steps forward after my apprenticeship and I think it is great I can have that vital work experience whilst gaining a qualification!