• First time success for PGL’s Plumbing Apprentices

    PGL Training are a specialist training provider based in Exeter offering a range of courses and apprenticeship training.

    This year they have guided their first group of apprentices through their Plumbing end-point assessment, with all of them passing first time.

    We spoke to Dean Matthews, Apprenticeships Manager at PGL, on how his team supported his first cohort of apprentices over the last two years and what success means to them.

    “We started our first group of apprentices back in April 2019 and obviously given the pandemic what an incredible challenge and journey this has been” says Matthews.

    “At the beginning of the first lockdown we shifted our delivery online.  It felt like a gamble, but both the delivery staff and apprentices responded brilliantly”.

    The commitment the group of apprentices showed was a standout for Matthews, with example of some apprentices taking exams at 7pm as they prepared for their final assessments. Matthews continues – “It just shows how much it meant to them, to get that EPA result and ticket to the next stage of their learning and career”.

    End-point assessments for Plumbing are relatively new for all parties including the provider, apprentice and end-point awarding organisation. In fact, PGL are one of the first organisations to see their apprentices through the process.  

    “We developed a great working relationship with both our apprentices and City & Guilds. The City & Guilds Technical Advisor was always on hand to help us and we used the digital resources and packs City & Guilds have to guide us through.” Matthews said.

    The team at PGL were fully committed to supporting their apprentices and matched the efforts that their learners were making, occasionally working on weekends at times to ensure we the best result for the learner. “We certainly feel that we have shared values and beliefs as City & Guilds – specifically around that send of responsibility to ensure the learner is in the best possible position to pass first time.”

    The process for end-point assessment can be a challenge especially with the set up to enable apprentices to feel relaxed and confident to show their best work. “We were really happy with the end-point assessment process. It was seamless and this was a real credit to City & Guilds”.

    Having achieved success with the first group of apprentices Matthews feels more confident for the next batch of learners coming through in 2022.   Matthews concludes; “We can build on all of that experience and knowledge, and lessons learned, to inform how we approach the next set of EPAs.”

    The employer, Fords South West, were delighted with the results. Aaron Path commented; ‘It was great news to hear all our Apprentices passed the End Point Assessments. The commitment from them was testament to them and our long term relationship with PGL Training is pivotal in our passion for training Apprentices of the future.’

  • 📣Come along to one of our free hairdressing taster days📣

    We offer a range of inspiring taster days for anyone interested in a career within hairdressing and barbering. Our taster days will give you the opportunity to find out if the industry is for you.

    Register your interest via the Contact Page

  • Pre Apprenticeship Programme

    We are looking to enrol suitable candidates to allow them to get Apprenticeship ready with our Pre-Apprenticeship Programme, so once we get the green light again you are ready to walk into job trials, interviews and more.

    Pre-Apprenticeship Programme

    (Eligible applications only funded via the Traineeship pathway)

    This programme is delivered to you virtually in the comfort of your own home, we will enrol you to the Pre-Apprenticeship Traineeship programme where we will develop skills such as employability ensuring that you have a CV, Covering Letter and interview techniques training ready for when you have your actual Apprenticeship interview. Should you require English and Maths the training will be provided to you via virtual lessons, we can also arrange exams to take place if you are ready to take them. One major advantage of conducting a Pre-Apprenticeship is that you are effectively completing the first stage of Apprenticeship study. Not only will this take time off your secondary study, but it will also give you a head start on the industry, granting you a competitive edge when it comes to finding employment. Another advantage is that employers will know you have experienced the industry culture prior to taking on the commitment of an Apprenticeship. Not only does this fasten your loyalty to the field you are undertaking, but it also proves your ability to handle yourself on site and passion towards completing your Apprenticeship to become accredited in your trade.

    The key elements for you are as follows:

    • Virtual CSCS Card and training *this is free of charge normally £180, holding this card is essential for a career within construction as you cannot work on a building site without this.
    • Support with finding a local employer to you who is willing to offer you a work trial via work experience for an apprenticeship opportunity.
    • Support with CV, Covering Letter and any interview technique training you may require.
    • Hand skill training, once restrictions have been lifted we are able to offer you hand skills training in our centre so you can try each sector to ensure a career in plumbing is what you want to do, as discussed we have many sectors which you can try to see what sector you enjoy most.
    • Functional Skills training for English and Maths if you do not have these qualifications already.
    • Designated mentor who works with you to help you secure an apprenticeship or find other courses, employment that you wish to explore.
    • Travel expenses paid until you secure an apprenticeship.

     

  • We believe Traineeships will play a vital role in securing the economic recovery and by offering free work experience placements, we can help you and tomorrow's work force. Here at PGL Training we have been supporting employers and learners for the last 15 years, and we are the voted number one provider in the South West.

    Traineeships provide young people with a chance to succeed, offering a placement that will give them substantial and meaningful workplace experience and gives employers the opportunity to shape a talented, potential employee. Now couldn’t be a better time to consider taking on a Trainee as Businesses in England will be given £1000 for each new work experience place they offer.

    What are the benefits of taking on a Trainee?
    Traineeships will help get young people into work and benefit your business in the following ways:

    • You as an employer can support the development of a high-quality Traineeship programme for your company in partnership with us - ensuring it suits both the needs of your business and the needs of the trainee
    • You can get ahead of the competition by bringing enthusiastic young people into your business before they get on to the job ladder
    • Traineeships will allow you to shape the skills and experience of young people from your local community, helping your business to develop a loyal and talented workforce, generating good PR for your business
    • Working with trainees will give established members of staff the chance to develop their skills in mentoring and coaching young people

    Here at PGL Training we offer bespoke programmes that are fully flexible, enabling us to tailor them to the needs of any employer.

    More Information

  • Recruit an Apprentice today and receive up to £3000

    This is a difficult time for employers and young people. The government is committed to supporting apprentices, and employers continue to build the skills capabilities the country needs now and in the future.

    Employers who recruit an apprentice aged 16-18 will be paid up to £3,000, while those who recruit an apprentice aged 19-24 will receive £2,000 and 25+ is £1,500.

    We believe apprentices will play a vital role in securing the economic recovery and by offering free recruitment and advice, we can help you and tomorrow's work force. We already have motivated learners and young people that are eager and ready for hands on experience, so why not give them the opportunity to grow and develop their career today!