College partner Seddon Recognised as Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer

The contractor’s apprenticeship scheme has been commended for its commitment to the next generation construction workforce

North West based contractor, Seddon, has been recognised for its continued commitment to apprenticeships, with the company ranked as one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers of 2022. Seddon’s partnership with Salford City College provides training to apprentices ages 16 upwards, looking to embark on long-term, viable careers in construction.

The rankings celebrate England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers, signposting listed companies as the country’s leaders to future apprentices, parents, and careers advisers nationwide. Among those listed are well-known brands such as John Lewis Partnership, NatWest Group and ASDA.

Nicola Hodkinson - Director and Owner at Seddon, said: “Part of Seddon’s core values is a commitment into attracting the next generation of industry professionals and supporting them by making the transition from education to employment a smooth and accessible one.”

Developed by the Department for Education in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers, the rankings were first launched in 2020. It is now in its second year after the list wasn’t published in 2021 due to the pandemic.

Hodkinson continued: “Opening lines of communication between businesses, schools and colleges is vital for the success of apprenticeships and Salford City College is a valued partner as we continue to invest in the next generation. United by a mutual commitment to apprenticeships and the benefits they provide to both the individuals and the wider construction industry, we are looking forward to many more years of this partnership.”

Since the partnership began in 2017, Salford City College has provided training to 127 Seddon apprentices, 117 of which progressed into full-time roles within the company. Seddon’s high retention rates are testament to its commitment to providing valuable and insightful programmes for its apprentices. This latest recognition further showcases the contractor’s passion for playing its part in closing the industry’s skills gap and nurturing new talent.

Allan Milne, Director of Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement at Salford City College Group, said: ‘’Seddon absolutely deserve this recognition for its commitment to employing, supporting, and developing apprentices. The company is passionate about ensuring our apprentices can develop fantastic careers in the construction industry, and we take great pride in helping them to achieve this.’’
In October, Seddon recruited a further 17 apprenticeships across its North West and Midlands offices, a 40% larger intake than usual after receiving more than 350 applications. Of those 17 recruits, five were trade apprentices – including three joiners, one painter and one bricklayer – ten higher degree students, five trainee site managers and five were trainee quantity surveyors. A further intake of 14 followed in Spring 2022, with the next phase of recruitment due to take place in Spring 2023.

Seddon currently employs 50 apprentices throughout the business. Access to employment after the programme’s completion has always been a long-standing cornerstone for the contractor, with 70% of its painting division having joined the company via apprenticeship programmes, some as far back as 1991.

Hodkinson concludes: “Apprentices are vital for the growth, progression, and success of the construction industry, which is why we are so committed to apprenticeship programmes. It is fantastic to see so many Seddon apprentices progress within the company after they graduate, and we are determined to continue that trend alongside our educational partner Salford City College.”