M Group Services and its operating businesses are committed to creating personal and professional development opportunities to empower and inspire the younger generation. Across the Group, we want our people to feel valued, supported and fulfilled.
Milestone Infrastructure, a part of M Group Services’ Transport Division, is committed to delivering social value to local communities and inspiring generations to come. This has proved successful with the recruitment of our newest Trainee Civil Engineer, Louis Dearden.
A group from the Peterborough Highways team has been working with Arthur Mellows Village College (AMVC), Peterborough, to offer students practice interviews with experienced professionals. This is a hugely beneficial opportunity as students can learn the importance of interview skills in a supportive setting.
Last autumn, Louis, one of AMVC’s final year students, had a practice interview with Tony Eades, Principal Engineer on Milestone’s Peterborough Highways contract. Thanks to Tony’s guidance, Louis decided to apply for one of Milestone’s degree apprenticeships.
Louis said: “I am delighted with my new position and excited for the future at Milestone. I owe many thanks to Jo Stark, Assistant Head of Sixth Form at AMVC, and her Preparation for Employment classes which were responsible for the opportunity.”
Milestone is proud to have been working with AMVC to deliver more than just interview practice to students. The Sixth Form hosted Future Festival which our team attended. They provided engaging quizzes about Milestone’s projects to make interactions with the students fun and encouraging.
There was also a chance for AMVC students and staff to have their photo taken with Bob, Milestone’s mannequin wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) which is worn by our people when on-site.
Tara Woodley, Business and Project Administrator for Milestone’s Peterborough Highways contract, said: “Engaging with schools is a great opportunity for our people to have a positive impact on students and their career decisions. We get to provide some context of what Milestone does and support those with an interest in construction.
“Attending these career events gives students a better idea of what to expect once they start applying for work opportunities when they leave school, college or university. We are proud to inspire students like Louis and help them decide what their next steps will be.”
Jo Stark said: “At AMVC, we feel it is vitally important for students to have as many meaningful encounters with employers as possible. Milestone was one of the first to get involved, talking to our students about what the business does around the city of Peterborough.
“The Milestone team also offered students on the Preparation for Employment pathway the opportunity to practice interview skills.
“Together, Milestone and AMVC have provided students with lots of resources and support to prepare for the future. We are excited to work with the business again over the next academic year.”
Louis’ role is one of the many opportunities M Group Services’ Apprenticeship Development Scheme (ADS) has to offer. The scheme is proving successful, having won the Apprenticeship Programme of the Year at The Learning Awards, this year.
It has also been shortlisted in the Apprentice Development Initiative of the Year award at the Construction News Workforce Awards. They are due to take place on Tuesday 8 November at JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Jayne Ellison, National Apprenticeship Manager at M Group Services, said: “This holistic scheme runs parallel with national apprenticeship standards and involves Personal Development sessions and residential team building opportunities.
“Apprentices are encouraged to look to the future, receiving basic project management training to enable them to create and implement a community project within the community.
“The Scheme supports our commitment to invest in our people, engaging and empowering them to deliver and grow both professionally and personally.”
To find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities, please click here.
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