National Apprenticeship Week (5th- 11th February 2024) is an annual celebration that brings attention to the invaluable contributions apprentices make to various industries. Gregor Heating has been training apprentices for over 30 years. In fact, one of our first apprentices, Craig, is still with us and is now Director of Operations.
In this blog, we’ll look into the significance of National Apprenticeship Week and explain how Gregor Heating is not only shaping the future workforce but also paving the way for a sustainable and diverse heating and renewables industry.
Benefits for Young People
University is not for everyone, so for many young people, apprenticeships offer a unique pathway to professional growth and development. Gregor Heating recognizes the importance of providing hands-on experience and expert guidance to apprentices, creating a learning environment that goes beyond traditional education. There are many benefits to apprenticeships, allowing young people to earn while they learn, gaining practical skills that are highly sought after in the job market and often giving them a three years’ work experience advantage over university students.
At Gregor Heating, apprentices are treated like every other employee; we are a friendly, family-run local business and they’re considered integral members of the team. Each apprentice, alongside our employees are dedicated to providing an excellent service that exceeds our customers’ expectations – we all subscribe to the Gregor promise – ‘we’re not happy until you’re happy’.
“It’s a really good company to work for because every single person here will
help you as best they can. With any issues, we can call into the office and get it resolved. Morale is very good because of that. It’s really rewarding when you start becoming competent enough for your mentor to let you get on with it. It’s good to feel trusted. With each challenge, I’ve learned more about my capabilities and found out how to cope with any small issues which crop up.” Ben, current apprentice.
Preparing for the Future with Renewable and Sustainable Technologies
Gregor has been leading the way in renewable and sustainable technologies in the Southwest UK since 2011. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, we understand that the future lies in renewable and sustainable technologies and the demand for eco-friendly solutions is higher than ever.
The heating and energy sector is no exception, with an increasing focus on transitioning to cleaner, greener and cost effective alternatives. By investing in apprenticeships our young people get to work with renewable technologies alongside traditional heating and plumbing systems, this means we’re not only preparing the workforce for the future, but actively contributing to a more sustainable world.
Why it’s Important for Young People
Engaging young people in renewable and sustainable technologies is crucial for several reasons. Foremost, these industries are rapidly expanding, offering a wealth of opportunities for career growth. By entering these roles, young individuals become part of a movement towards a more environmentally conscious society. They play a pivotal role in developing and implementing innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change. Gregor Heating recognizes the passion and dedication that young people bring to these roles, making them key players in the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“New build sites are changing to include more new renewable technologies, including underfloor heating, heat pumps, solar and top spec bathrooms, so it’s always interesting. All my opportunities came from showing Gregor’s I could learn new things, figure out how to solve problems and give my full energy to get the work done.” Tom, Contracts Manager in our New Build Department
Embracing Diversity
Diversity is a cornerstone of innovation and progress. Gregor Heating is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of talents and perspectives within the community. Apprenticeships provide a platform for individuals from various backgrounds to enter the heating, plumbing, renewable and sustainable technology sector.
National Apprenticeship Week is not only a time to celebrate the commitment of companies like Gregor to nurturing the talents of the next generation, it’s a time to celebrate these ambitious and hardworking individuals who are the future workforce. We are always impressed by the young people who work with us, and love celebrating their growth and achievement – we are pleased to say that a number have continued to work with Gregor.
By focusing on renewable and sustainable technologies and promoting diversity, we’re not only shaping the future workforce but also contributing to a greener, more inclusive world. As we look ahead, it’s clear that apprenticeships in these forward-thinking industries are a beacon of hope for a brighter and more sustainable future.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship with Gregor, our application process for Engineer roles is managed through Onsite Bristol. And an office opportunity we have is managed through High-quality Apprenticeships | South West | Professional Apprenticeships