Case study: how Dale Power Solutions responded to the challenge of diversity through Apprenticeships

by Apr 8, 2017Case studies

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Ten years ago, Dale Power Solutions realised the need to respond to an ageing workforce and protect the future of the business. With challenges such as the engineering skills shortage and a general decline of manufacturing in the UK, Dale Power decided to focus their succession strategy on Apprenticeships.
Dale Power Solutions
Date 2016
Region North Yorkshire
Size 270 employees
Sector Power Solutions

apprentices recruited since 2007

applications received annually

awards received for the programme

%

employees under the age of 40

Apprentices become backbone of the business

Today 44% of Dale Power’s 270 employees have an Apprenticeship. Since launching their Apprenticeship programme in 2007, 36 apprentices have been recruited. The programme has also significantly improved age diversity in the business with 44% of employees now under 40 years old.

Dale Power works with its training provider, Derwent Training, to customise the programme for each apprentice ensuring that they gain an understanding on different areas of the business. The Apprenticeship programme has become a sought after career opportunity in the region with up to 80 applications received annually from 14-28 year olds of increasing calibre.

Dale Power Solutions Apprentices
‘Apprentices bring us youth, diversity, fresh new ideas and learn the higher skills needed in today’s challenging and technologically advancing world. With Dale Power, apprentices can travel the world in various roles: become engineers, managers or directors.’

Tim Wilkins, Chief Executive, Dale Power Solutions

‘Dale Power Solutions offered me an incredible opportunity to gain experience of the workplace, which university couldn’t match. I love that I am using my maths and problem solving skills every day in a real working context. I even have the option of university after the Apprenticeship. I love the freedom I now have from Dale Power and that they are investing in me to help secure the future of the business.’

Samantha Magowan, Apprentice, Dale Power Solutions

Seven-year career development plans

Dale Power works closely with local schools attending careers events and offering work experience placements. Samantha Magowan found her career in engineering through this route. A potential Cambridge University candidate, Samantha chose a hands-on approach through Dale Power with the same outcome – a degree in engineering. Samantha is currently undertaking an Apprenticeship with Dale Power and has a seven-year career development plan in place.

Award-winning programme

Dale Power is delivering on its vision to maximise technical excellence and innovation through the development of its employees. It has created an award-winning Apprenticeship strategy that allows apprentices of all levels to build a bright future for the business.

In addition to receiving a Princess Royal Training Award, they have also been recognised in the National Apprenticeship Awards 2012 & 2014, Scarborough Business Awards 2014 & 2015, STEMNET Awards 2013 and were named Brathay Apprentice Challenge Apprentice Team of the Year 2015.

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