Cormac invests over £1m in training and development

Over the last 12 months, Cormac has shown commitment to delivering value for its communities by investing over £1 million in training and development. 

In 2022/23, the leading civil engineering, highway, and environmental services provider delivered 1,327 weeks of training. 

Cormac is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, which is demonstrated in its early career programs and apprenticeships. 

Whether individuals are looking to take their first step into the world of work, advance their careers, or explore a new opportunity, Cormac offers programs that can support them on their career journey.

Cormac is currently actively recruiting for 22 apprenticeship positions across the business in the following areas: Level 2 Horticulture; Level 2 Arborist; Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician; and Level 6 Civil Engineer Degree. 

The company recently unveiled a new strapline, ‘Delivering value for our communities’, reflecting Cormac’s identity and objectives, focussing on maximising benefits to people, communities, and the environment they serve.

When it comes to training and development, ‘Delivering value for our communities’ includes:

• Cormac’s role as a “career development organisation” and being recognised as an “employer of choice”.
• Being a sustainable business that generates long-term social value.
• 9.3% of employees are apprentices, graduates or on formal training programmes. This has increased from 4.6% in 2020/21.

Cormac’s commitment to developing its apprentices is clearly paying off, with Arron Pengelly recently winning the Highways and Winter Maintenance Apprentice of the Year Award at the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards in Glasgow.

The APSE local authority apprentice and trainee awards scheme is open to candidates from all training stages and has been running successfully for nearly two decades throughout the UK. 

Aaron currently works as a Surface Treatment Design Manager. When asked about his apprenticeship, he said: “Aside from my achievements at further education and with my employer, the biggest thing I am taking away from my experience so far is that now being 40 years old, it’s never too late to improve, take steps forward, and learn, gaining knowledge, experience, qualifications, and friendships along the way.”

Teresa Frost, Cormac’s Supervising Civil Engineer, commented: “To receive a nomination at this level is something to be immensely proud of. As a company, we are fortunate to have two apprentices who made it to the finals. For Aaron to be crowned the winner is an incredible achievement.

“This demonstrates the talent that can be unlocked by providing our local communities with the best opportunities to flourish in their chosen career paths. I am delighted that these awards shine a light on the dedication and enthusiasm of our hardworking individuals in our workforce.”

In addition to multiple apprenticeship programs, Cormac also supports around 90 individuals through other development programs that include:

• Graduate programs.
• University placements.
• Aspiring professionals: individuals seeking membership with professional bodies.

Cormac also offers its own Academy Program, which is delivered through the Notter Bridge Training Centre. The company is currently recruiting 12 candidates for this program, which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the business, so it can better serve communities.

Cormac always has one eye on the next generation of professionals and actively works with schools, colleges, and universities on career engagement. Cormac is committed to engaging, inspiring, and supporting individuals in making the next step in their careers. 

This engagement is carried out through a range of activities, including career information events, work experience, T-Level placements, site visits, school activity session, and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) initiatives.

Cormac’s Managing Director Dominic Bostock said: 

“We support a permanent, highly skilled, fully trained workforce with quality employment. This brings wider social value outcomes for our communities in terms of standard of living and more local people in employment.

“This approach also promotes skill development, allowing individuals the opportunity to maximise their capabilities and gain new skills through our mix of contracts.

“Our apprenticeship strategy helps local young people learn skills and gives them the opportunity for a career in Cornwall, rather than out of the county. We’re also working with schools, colleges, and universities to ensure that the next generation knows the opportunities on offer in this exciting industry.” 

Image courtesy of Cormac.