Shown here from left to right: at the back James Crockett, Trainee Carpenter; Shaun Carter, Assistant Quantity Surveyor; Doug Gray, Carpenter
and in the front Jon Mann, Trainee Estimator; James Tombling, Trainee Plasterer; Dan Hogan, Carpenter; Craig Bassett, Trainee Quantity Surveyor

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Building the future - Beard backs plan 500

Swindon, 9 November 2010: Following the Comprehensive Spending Review and Government’s support of apprenticeships, and launch of Swindon’s Plan 500 in support of young people struggling to enter the labour market, local construction company Beard confirms its support of the scheme and long term commitment to provide opportunities and training for young people to produce impressive academic achievements.

Over the last academic year, the company has encouraged, supported and challenged 16 trainees, combining active work experience with academic studies under the personal direction of chairman, Alan Beard.

This hands-on approach and focus clearly pays dividends; in the last academic year trainees taking National Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees achieved 50% Distinctions, 20% Merits and 30% passes across a total of 65 exam papers sat. In addition, two trainees successfully obtained their degrees.

In addition to day release for course work, individuals have every possible opportunity to gain relevant ‘on the job’ training, and by juggling staff resources, the widest exposure to the many technical aspects of the job that they may not otherwise experience.

Beard Financial Director Clive Bassett said: “Young people are the future for the community and it’s vital that businesses continue to invest in providing opportunities and training. We have a long tradition of training young people and firmly believe in taking the long view, investing in people now to ensure we have the high quality, qualified staff to deliver on customer expectations today and building projects well into the next decade.”

Beard does not stop there, in addition to the 16 trainees Beard supports other staff on their journeys to achieving a variety of qualifications including NEHBOSH, Membership of the Chartered Institute of Building, NVQ’s, Accounting Technician and Certified Accountant.