Aprolis UK Apprentice Awards Delivers a Pathway to Thrive.

Aprolis UK, the Nottinghamshire based provider of materials handling solutions, have recently and uniquely celebrated the next generation of talent, at their inaugural apprenticeship awards.

The awards showcased the depth of talent rising through the company’s three-year programme, which supports 36 apprentices from 12 of Aprolis UK’s 16 nationwide depots.

Steve Shakespeare, CEO of Aprolis UK, commented: “As someone who began my own career as a 16-year-old engineering apprentice, I know first- hand how crucial a great apprenticeship can be”.

The event, which was held at Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry, welcomed and celebrated 10 new apprentices as part of their induction, in addition to those who have demonstrated exceptional performance and professional growth, across the period of their apprenticeship.

Year one, year two, and year three apprentice winners and runners-up were all recognised, along with four graduates who officially completed their apprenticeships and are now embarking on full-time engineer roles within the company.

Each winner and runner-up received a trophy, supported by several long-term partners of Aprolis UK, namely JCT600, TVH, Halfords, Espek Batteries and F-TEC. Graduates were also awarded with certificates and tool vouchers.

During the afternoon of the event, the apprentices took part in a team-building session, which featured a host of outdoor challenges such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, axe throwing, and segway racing.

Steve Shakespear continued:

“It’s a fundamental part of Aprolis Group’s overall strategy to future-proof the business at a time when the materials handling industry is grappling with a significant talent shortage and an ageing workforce. While we’ve had a programme in place for some time, it has significantly expanded in recent years, particularly since being acquired by Aprolis Group in 2021”.

Commenting further Steve said:

“We have since this time supercharged the scale and quality of the programme, which now supports apprentices not just in engineering, but in wider roles across the business. We are incredibly proud of the standards we set, the support of our parent company and the fantastic relationship we have with the F- TEC Training Centre. Collectively we believe we are building a truly comprehensive pathway for our young people to thrive.”

Aprolis UK’s apprenticeship programme has been designed to nurture the next generation of engineers, blending academic training with hands-on experience. All under the day-to-day mentorship of the company’s depot management and engineering mentors, with a strong focus on practical engineering skills and professional development.

The programme includes dedicated learning blocks at the F-TEC Training Centre in Swindon, the UK and Europe’s only specialist apprentice training centre for both forklift truck and powered access engineering.

Each learning block is carefully structured to combine practical engineering exercises with assessments of academic performance, professional behaviour, attendance, and attitude, all of which are monitored by the Aprolis UK depot management team.

UKPO Magazine is pleased to be able to report on this initiative. A real time example of a what can be achieved to engage and ensure next generation talent is recruited, rewarded and retained. We will keep in touch with Aprolis to keep you informed of further developments.

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