Communication and collaboration creating a bright future for Allports Group

The two-way communication between the employer and their apprentices as well as between the employer and their training provider has resulted in successful collaborations all round at Lichfield-based Allports Group.

The relationships developed have contributed to the year on year growth of the truck, van and trailer solutions provider over the last decade.  The apprentices trained have benefitted long term too.

“The process of “growing your own talent” as a way of filling skill gaps works best through open and regular communication,” said David Clive, Group Aftersales and Bodyshop Manager.

“We understand that many young people coming into a job straight from school might not fully realise the importance of timekeeping and committing to a full working week.  It can also be a bit of a culture shock to have been around others their own age for so long and then suddenly find themselves working with people 20 or 30 years older.

“The Apprenticeship model and things like a good introduction process can overcome these barriers.”

“Making the effort to really show how the business works has led to our apprentices being even more willing to grow in expertise,” continued David.  “Our past Apprentices have become a major part of our business. They have gone on to become master technicians, supervisors and managers.”

David also advocates the support of Walsall College in providing the theory and wider knowledge around the motor vehicle and heavy vehicle maintenance apprenticeship standard qualifications.

“The college are a great help with all the paperwork side of things, leaving us able to focus purely on the hands-on skills we require,” said David.

“We’re also in regular contact with their vocational coaches and trainers.  Together we can keep the apprentices informed about what we expect of them and how we can best support them to achieve.”

Under the continuing guidance of David and his colleagues, he anticipates that their current apprentices will continue to play a key role in the future of the business, particularly in terms of helping them make use of new technologies.