Havelock International, the leading design and fitout specialist, has set out its commitment to developing its apprenticeship scheme to ensure that it continues to attract talent and provide customers with the right skills and expertise now and in the future. Out of a total of 295 employees, over 5% are apprentices, with this number set to increase with a further four joining the programme later this year. Havelock invests £200k in the scheme annually and at the end of their tenure, all of apprentices are offered permanent positions within the business.
Havelock provides apprenticeship roles across the business, from joinery and woodwork, metalwork and welding, to business systems and surveying. The business also supports roles in combination with higher education courses and degrees.
Havelock provides interior solutions in the UK and across the globe covering multiple sectors, including education, student accommodation and retail environments, and is currently leading projects with major blue-chip brands such as Primark, Hilton and Lloyds Banking Group. It offers a complete end-to-end service, including concept and technical design, manufacture and logistics, through to installation and complete project management and oversight. Apprentices have exposure to every element of this service to ensure they develop a broad skill set which is relevant in today’s modern business and manufacturing environment.
George McAdam, Chief Executive of Havelock International, said: “A highly skilled workforce is fundamental to the success and growth of Havelock. We design, build and install the ‘shop window’ for many of our customers, whether it is a retail outlet or a learning environment, so creativity and quality are key. Apprenticeships provide the ideal way to develop raw talent so that we continue to provide customers with truly innovative designs, high quality manufacturing and service excellence.”
Gary Burns who is in the fourth year of his apprenticeship at Havelock, said: “No two jobs are the same and I have really enjoyed studying at Fife College at the same time as getting hands on experience.”
His skills have recently been put to good use. As as well as working in the company’s factory in Kirkcaldy, Gary was also recently chosen to be part of an experienced team involved in a project for a leading hotel chain working on site fitting bedroom furniture. Gary is on course to complete his SVQ Level 2/3 in Carpentry & Joinery this summer and just as he is qualifying, the next group of Havelock apprentices will be joining.
Alan Tait, Human Resources Director at Havelock, highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of investment in training: “Out of a workforce of just under 300 we have 15 Apprentices or Trainees, based across different areas the business. We are serious about growing our own talent and are grateful of the support we have received from Scottish Enterprise and Fife Council to assist with this.”
