We recently heard about a successful recruitment day hosted by L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage. The event, held mid-week in mid-December in the heart of East Anglia, showcased a unique approach to tackling a key industry challenge. We spoke with Gez Bonner, National Training Manager at Lynch, to uncover not just the story behind the day, but its broader significance for the industry.
Gez passionately described the “Circle of Life,” a comprehensive strategy that focuses on upskilling groundworkers and labourers, attracting new talent, and nurturing the development of existing team members. Let’s delve into the details.
Behind the Timing and Location
“With a growing number of projects set to launch in East Anglia, we and the wider industry anticipate a rising demand for plant operators and site operatives,” Gez explained.
The timing was no accident. As the year-end approached, weather conditions meant many operators were temporarily off site, and the New Year naturally prompted career reflections. December proved to be an ideal moment for engagement—confirming Lynch’s well-planned decision.
Objectives of the Event
The day wasn’t just about hiring experienced operatives—it was a community-focused initiative aimed at attracting new talent. “We wanted to create opportunities for local people, offering quality training and career paths. Achieving this in remote areas is no small feat, finding local people in these areas for our sector is difficult & this is why a high percentage of major projects recruit operators nationally” Gez noted.
To make the event engaging, Lynch included machine simulators and interactive displays highlighting GPS and machine control technologies.
Why Partner with CITB?
Gez’s personal connection with CITB made it an obvious choice. Having trained there himself, he trusted the venue’s quality. He collaborated with CITB representatives Chris Bushell and John Aitkin, aligning on the shared goal of attracting local talent.
Initially, the idea of hosting a mid-week event in December seemed risky, but the results proved otherwise.
Impressive Attendance
The event registered around 100 attendees—double the typical turnout. The strong numbers were supported by the venue’s facilities and the thoughtful timing of the event.
Attendees ranged from teenagers to retirees, including several women—an encouraging sign for an industry looking to diversify its workforce. A mother-daughter duo was among the eight women present, further underscoring the inclusive nature of the day.
Of the attendees, 70 had valid machine tickets, while the remaining 30 enrolled in a CITB introductory program to assess their training needs and career ambitions. In one notable case, an experienced operator who attended was back to work that very week.
Beyond Lynch: A Commitment to the Industry
Despite the industry’s skills gap, Gez emphasised that Lynch’s efforts extend beyond their company’s immediate needs. “We’re not just training operators for Lynch—we’re training for the industry. Operators from our programs often go on to work with national, regional, and local contractors.”
This isn’t about profit; it’s about sustainability. Using industry funding, Lynch ensures operators are trained to industry standards, benefiting the entire sector.
The “Circle of Life” Philosophy
The “Circle of Life” reflects Lynch’s holistic approach to workforce development. “Too many people are leaving the industry, and not enough are joining,” Gez explained. “Our strategy supports all operatives—labourers, groundworkers, drivers, and operators—by providing top-tier training and continuous mentoring to maximize potential and retention.”
By fostering talent and attracting new entrants, Lynch ensures the Circle of Life remains unbroken, driving long-term sustainability.
A Vision for the Future
A Vision for the Future
Gez’s dedication to smarter use of training funding is evident. Whilst Lynch adopts a “local-first” approach to operator deployment, they also recognise the challenge due to remote locations of certain infrastructure projects. Therefore, he applauds the current approach of a national funding framework, allowing for sustainable operator upskilling, even when working away from home.
The event’s success highlights a growing appetite for high-quality development opportunities, with more regional and industry-wide initiatives planned to expand the Circle of Life.
In speaking with Gez, it’s clear that Lynch’s long-term, community-focused strategy is gaining momentum, supported by contractors and supply chain partners alike. Their efforts reflect not just a commitment to their company but to the entire industry.
This is the Circle of Life in action—an inspiring model for what’s possible when vision meets execution.
