Listers Trade Frames has an excellent working relationship with PM Training, having taken on more than 30 apprentices in the last 10 years.
Listers has operated in Stoke-on-Trent for the last 37 years, supplying the trade with quality windows, doors and conservatories. They fully believe in apprenticeship schemes and the power of partnerships.
PM Training also provides NVQ training for the apprentices so it made sense for a manager at Listers to become an assessor.
Meet Alan Howley. Alan said: “I’ve been an assessor for three years – it builds a really good bond between me and the apprentices, as well as PM Training. PM Training also provides business administration and customer services training. All members of staff have to be committed to gaining a qualification here – it not only improves their work skills and confidence levels but also benefits the business.”
The youngest apprentice to join Listers was John Edmonds, now 18, who started working at Listers two years ago. John first came across PM Training at school but decided to go to college. He realised he’d made the wrong choice and turned to PM.
“Mary Canavan (PM Training) told me about an apprenticeship in fenestration (window) installations. After getting my English and maths key skills and spending some time on the Homeworks vans, I was given an opportunity to work at Listers.”
John is now working on his apprenticeship level 3 in fenestration installation.“I first started cleaning the windows - now I’m learning how to fit them in customers’ homes.
“I’d advise anyone leaving school to go to PM Training. Earning some money has helped me to learn how to drive, so I can now drive the vans too – it’s made a big difference to my life.”
Alan said: “We’re so proud of John – he has been nominated for the GQA Apprentice of the Year awards as well as PM Training’s apprentice awards.”
Mike Canavan, skills development manager at PM Training, said: “Our partnership with Listers has gone from strength to strength. Not only are Listers committed to apprenticeships but they also help staff to go further by gaining more qualifications.”
Mark Warren, Listers Managing Director, said: “It’s a difficult time for school leavers – going to university can be expensive and there’s no guarantee of a job at the end of it. An apprenticeship can be so much more attractive, and deliver some real life skills along the way. It’s a win win result for both the individual and the company they work for.”
