Along with being a market leading building service provider, NG Bailey is known for its premier apprenticeship schemes, forming the renowned NG Bailey Engineering Academy.
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Founded in 1969 by Noel and Richard Bailey, the Academy shaped the industry with its innovative take on combining full apprenticeships with full training.
“When the Academy began, we then had foremen on jobs who had full apprenticeships and a degree – that was unique in those days,” said Noel Bailey. “I had a strategy to enable people who started as apprentices to exceed their career expectations.”
This investment in its people has led the company into its immense success, including a current £600m turnover and employing approximately 3,600 staff.
“Learning and development are an integral part of how we manage talent in the business,” said Head of the Academy, Alison Ashworth-Brown. “We provide the right skills for the right places at the right time.”
With its top-notch program and reputation, getting into the Academy is not an easy feat. Over 4,000 talented youths apply every year, all vying for 100 much-coveted placements.
“My apprenticeship has been a fantastic ‘earn while you learn’ opportunity,” said third year Building Service Engineer Apprentice, Kayley Lockhead. “The program is full of support and really builds self-confidence.”
Many of the Academy apprentices have moved onto hugely successful endeavours. 3M Chief Executive, George Buckley, was an NG Bailey apprentice electrician and describes his appreciation of the program as “deep and genuine”. Another NG Bailey Academy success story includes that of Mike Darlington, now Managing Director of Bailey Building Services North. Despite joking about barely being able to lift his toolbox at his induction, Mike remains grateful for his apprenticeship opportunity, where he found a mentor and learned the people skills needed to work in the building culture.
Amidst an economic climate where training budgets are being slashed, NG Bailey strongly believes that investing in apprentices plays a vital role in the construction industry.
“It’s not about a quick fix,” said NG Bailey CEO, Chris Newton. “It’s about the long haul. It’s about securing our future.”
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