Investing in future skills
Marking National Apprenticeship Week 2023, F. Ball and Co.
Ltd. is focussing providing strong career foundations for young
people making inroads into manufacturing, and in turn, helping
to address the skills gap in the flooring industry.
A cohort of six apprentices are taking their first career steps at the UK’s
leading floor preparation products and flooring adhesives company,
working across its engineering, technical services, marketing, operations,
business administration and safety, health, environment and quality
(SHEQ) departments.
Refl ecting on her experience, Phoebe Cawley, 19, from Leek, SHEQ
Assistant Apprentice, said: “The opportunity to gain valuable work
experience, knowledge and develop skills are the most enjoyable
aspects; F. Ball’s support has helped me gain confidence, self-motivation
and has given me an understanding of my potential.”
Harry Beasley, 19, from Staffordshire, Marketing Assistant
Apprentice, added:
“My apprenticeship has been everything I wanted;
I’ve been trained and trusted with valuable projects and I’m
looking forward to what the next few years at F. Ball bring.”
The additions to the F. Ball team are a step toward addressing the
fl ooring trade’s skills shortfall in required skills to meet high demand.
Also part of a wider industry strategy are the company’s free training
courses, which are available to all flooring professionals at F. Ball’s
Centre of Excellence, located at its Cheddleton headquarters, near Leek
in Staffordshire.
Mark Hughes, Managing Director at F. Ball and Co. Ltd., said:
“It’s imperative that we do our bit to support the future
of our industry and that’s why we’re committed to helping young people get their foot in the door by offering a wide range of apprenticeship options throughout the business."
T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk
