Kestrel pulls no punches with apprenticeship programme

Kestrel is boxing clever for the future by recruiting apprentices and teaching them hands-on skills for a bright career.

The UPVC fascia, cladding and soffit manufacturer has a well-established apprenticeship programme that’s been running for almost a decade and currently has five apprentices working across engineering and the tool room.

Danny Gaffney, tooling and engineering manager for the brand, said that the apprenticeship scheme helped Kestrel build a workforce with a development mindset.

He comments: “We have four apprentices starting their HNC qualifications, two of them are new starters and two achieved their Level 3 while working for Kestrel.

“It’s great to see them develop life skills as well as their work skills. Having apprentices is good for the team as whole, more experienced staff get to pass on their knowledge and skills, and the younger members of staff bring a different dynamic to the team.”

The engineering apprentices include Tia Fudge (pictured above), who recently threw herself in the ring for a white-collar boxing challenge to raise money for Cancer Research.

Danny explains: “It was a really memorable night. The team went to support Tia and we were delighted that she won, but even more so to see the training and dedication pay off for such a worthy charity.”

The training doesn’t stop with the apprentices, the whole tooling and engineering teams are offered development opportunities, with Kestrel forming a close working relationship with the local colleges and university.

Danny adds: “We try to offer training opportunities for all of our staff, no matter how experienced, there are always new skills and ideas to develop, and that’s good for staff and the business.”

To read about Kestrel adding more colour to its soffit and fascia ranges, click here.