“The beauty of the Work Ready programme is that it supports people who want to get back into work and we know we are getting committed people.
“They have gone through the programme, so have the foundation skills to work on site, the certificates to access sites, but importantly, have that willingness to work.”
That’s the view from Mike Rogers, Resource Delivery Manager at Amentum (formerly Jacobs).
A shining star of the Work Ready recruits at Amentum
Amentum employed six learners from the Work Ready programme, delivered in 2024, by Lakes College in Cumbia.
Mike gave an update on how the recruits are progressing and shared how the programme has benefited the company.
He highlighted one worker, Tony Stephenson, who was one of the six learners to gain a contract of employment following the Work Ready programme. He currently works as a general operative for Amentum at Sellafield.
Paul Fowler, Night Shift Manager and Supervisor for Tony, said: “Tony is a keen worker and shows a good willingness to learn the trade and progress. He is always on time and has pride in his work. He takes in the information from the group of lads he is working with and is willing to have a good go at whatever is asked of him. Could do with a few more like him!”
Photo: Tony Robinson with his Work Ready peers, tutors at Lakes College and Andrew Hockey, ECITB CEO.
Mike added: “At Amentum we like to see progression and we provide opportunities to enable our teams to progress in their careers.
“At the start of the year we offered all new recruits the opportunity to complete ICATS (industrial coating applicators training scheme) which is a two-week course with a test.
“Tony grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
“After completing his ICATS training, Tony joined the painting team. Over the next 12 months, he will be able to hone his skills in industrial surface preparation and coating to gain an NVQ. He will then be promoted from a general operative to painter.”
Mike Rogers
Resource Delivery Manager, Amentum
Amentum involved in Work Ready recruitment and selection
Mike was involved in the Work Ready programme right from the start and was part of the interview panel to select candidates. Being part of the whole process enabled him to find new talent outside the programme too.
He explained: “During the recruitment process, we also identified an individual who would be better suited to an apprenticeship with us rather than the Work Ready programme. He was also taken on and is doing well on his apprenticeship.”
About Amentum UK
Amentum is a strategic partner for the UK’s nuclear new build program. It is a delivery partner at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C a major supplier of engineering design, safety case and project management services at the UK’s nuclear decommissioning sites, including Sellafield.
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