Page 33 - Gi_November2020

igem news

MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES LEAD THE

WAY WITH NEW APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES (MUS)
has launched a new Apprenticeship
Development Scheme (ADS), reinforcing
its pledge to support apprentices in the
current economic climate.
MUS recently signed the Energy &
Utilities Skills Partnership’s sector-wide
Apprenticeship Pledge. As struggling
industries and employers across the
UK pause, or are forced to end their
programmes, those that signed the
pledge have stated their commitment to
continuing apprenticeships.
The ADS will be delivered alongside
the usual Apprenticeship Standards
Occupations as an ‘added value’
programme. It goes above and beyond
teaching an apprenticeship’s core
specialism, providing a holistic and
structured approach that equips a
Morrison Utility Services apprentice
with the appropriate behaviours,
skills and knowledge to develop both
professionally and personally.
Following the pilot scheme in 2019/20,
September saw the business welcome
its first cohort of apprentices. Due to the
current climate, they will experience a NEW APPRENTICES
blended learning approach with a mix of
in-person and virtual sessions. and I felt a lot better for it. Mainly, I long-term investment in skills, the
A new addition to the scheme is the believe I improved on my leadership scheme will continue to attract and
Mental Health Toolbox programme, abilities, communication and listening develop exceptional talent across a range
which aims to help apprentices develop skills, which are obviously three of roles to ensure the business is well
a deeper understanding of mental important aspects to my job. positioned to maintain its skills base.
health and emotional fitness in order to “It was a worthwhile experience and Energy & Utility Skills has been
strengthen and build their resilience to one which everyone agreed has helped to selected as the partner of choice to
work/life pressures. improve them as a person, both at work endorse the ADS. The Quality Assurance
Aidan, a Highways Maintenance and away from there. On a personal level, team has worked with Morrison Utility
Apprentice who took part in the piloted I would definitely say it has helped to aid Services to ensure the programme is
programme in 2019/20, said: “I was my own development and I feel more quality assured, mapped to industry
supported to participate in things I confident in numerous areas now.” and behavioural standards and
didn’t think were possible for myself As part of Morrison Utility Services benchmarked against best practice.

He said: “Innovations in IT Welcoming both promotions, Colin
along with a rigorous approach to Lynch, Energy Assets Group Chief
information security are integral Executive Officer, added: “Jen and
to the success of the business, James have consistently delivered
whether facilitating the delivery of excellence for Energy Assets in their
services to customers or enabling respective areas of expertise, the
employees to work more productively. value of which has been evident
I am very much looking forward to throughout the challenges presented
optimising the value of our strategies over recent months. Their knowledge
in these areas and playing my part in will play a vital role in helping
delivering the group’s exciting plans the group fulfil its potential as we
for the future.” implement our strategy for growth.” JEN FAICHNEY JAMES WALKER

33

15/10/2020 13:19
IGEMNews_IndAffliates.indd 2
IGEMNews_IndAffliates.indd 2 15/10/2020 13:19