At Speakman Contractors, apprentices are central to what we do. Nobody understands their value to our business more than our founder and managing director, who started out as an apprentice himself.
Chris Speakman joined the industry as an apprentice 30 years ago before launching his own family business back in 2009.
We have supported businesses across the North West with a complete range of building services, recruiting and training more than 50 apprentices long the way.
Joint managing director Chris Speakman said “We’re not just investing in the person – we have a responsibility for their lives, families and lifestyles. We take that commitment seriously, whether individuals rise through the ranks or go out on their own.”
The far-reaching benefits continue to pay dividends. Many of the individuals trained by Speakman have gone on to found their own business which have become integral parts of the Speakman Contractors supply chain.
Chris added: “We see the positives in that it allows us to build a flexible supply chain made up of people who understand how we work. We trust they have the skill set we need and the standards we expect for our customers because they’ve come from our talent pool.”
Speakman Contractors covers the entire spectrum of integrated services, from design and installation of electrical and lighting systems to building, repairs and maintenance. Local and national businesses rely on Speakman to function at full capacity and maintain peak productivity, from manufacturing, commercial, leisure and retail.
Speakman Contractors also supports the apprenticeship model in a wider sense, working in partnership with Burnley College, sitting on an advisory board to model how construction is taught to young people.
Chris added: “New technology emerges all the time, so we offer our insight, expertise and training, as well as supplying test equipment for students to develop industry skills and knowledge.
“It’s all part of our culture as a business – investing in people, nurturing skills, and strengthening our local economy by helping to promote and develop talent.”