DBS Recognised for 'Outstanding Commitment to Training'

» 26th February 2015

DBS have been awarded JTL’s ‘Best Employer, Commitment to Training Accolade’ by the not-for-profit training provider, JTL. The win was announced at an awards ceremony held on Wednesday 25th February, at Drapers’ Hall in the City of London.

JTL is one of the top three work-based learning providers in England and Wales, working closely with colleges and employers to deliver apprenticeships across the building services industry. JTL’s apprenticeships equip young electricians and plumbers, as well as other trades, with the skills they need to embark upon a successful career.

Selected because of its outstanding commitment to the apprenticeship programme and its professional approach, DBS takes on a minimum of six JTL apprentices each year and has at least 24 young people training within the business at any one time. On average 15 per cent of the company’s 225-strong work force are trainees or apprentices. Around 73 per cent of the team are ex-apprentices, with Managing Director, Mark Townsend, and Director, Steve Burley, both entering the industry via apprenticeships themselves. Fast forward roughly 25 years and Mark and Steve now lead a progressive and successful business, ensuring other young people have access to the same opportunities they enjoyed.

Mark Townsend commented:

“We’re delighted to have won JTL’s award. It’s really gratifying to have our apprenticeship programme recognised and commended in this way, but it’s become second nature to us and we forget that what we’re doing is out of the ordinary! One of our apprentices, Joe Dudley, won JTL’s Apprentice of the Year for the East Midlands region this year and it’s really down to him and his peers that we’ve been able to enjoy this success.

We feel a great responsibility to ensure that the young people training with us receive the support and encouragement they need to excel. They are, after all, our managers and directors of tomorrow!”

Mark Page, JTL’s Regional Manager for the East Midlands adds:

"DBS really stands out from the crowd as an employer. Their commitment to young people continues apace and their focus on training is rewarded by an industry-leading staff retention rate. Amongst other motivating and innovative schemes, the company runs its own apprentice award programme, with a ‘hall of fame’ board listing those that have won in previous years. The team at DBS really deserve JTL’s award and we wish them continued success.”

Roughly 33,000 young people have completed JTL apprenticeships and almost one in two of all electricians in England and Wales achieve their qualifications through JTL.

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