Tipton firm builds pedestrian crossing in an afternoon for potential apprentices

More than 200 people braved torrential rain to watch a Tipton civil engineering company create a pedestrian crossing in an afternoon.

MD Mark Doocey, head of HR Kirstie Stuart, and traffic management plant hire operations director Kevin Lyons, at the open day

The Doocey Group showcased its largest plant equipment and vehicles and demonstrated how its workers tackles large scale infrastructure projects, as part of a recruitment day.

Head of HR and support services Kirstie Stuart said: "Despite absolutely torrential rain, the open day was a great success. The weather on Saturday was so bad we wondered if anyone would show up, but we had over 200 people attend on the day, candidateson their own and many younger ones with family members.

"People watched demonstrations under cover as well as outdoor activities, with lots of our large vehicles and equipment on display. We even created our own traffic management and temporary pedestrian crossing from outdoor activities into the building."

Ben Selwood, from Tipton, clinched an interview for an apprenticeship, during an open day, at The Doocey Group

She added: "Our plan was to showcase what we do because most people don’t understand, so we had directional drilling demonstrations, a vacuum excavator in operation and our staff working in the trench."

The company registered 75 people for an interview for the Multi Utility Assistant apprenticeship and 10 for the level three business apprenticeship plus four graduate applications, with interviews taking place over the next two weeks.

Mrs Stuart added: "We were planning to put 45 through the pre-apprenticeship but it looks like we will be putting closer to 75 through."

"Our staff, who came in voluntarily, explained what is needed to support the work we do on the footpaths and highways and was aimed at the business/graduate apprentices but understanding how every part of the business is needed to make it successful gave those attending a rounded perspective of the teamwork required."

Joint managing director Mark Doocey said: "I was stunned by the turnout given the weather and really proud to showcase our staff and what we do. It's great there was so much interest in the apprenticeships on offer for local people.

"Our links to Sandwell College for the apprenticeships have kept this whole project at the heart of the Black Country."

The Doocey Group was founded in 1981 by Michael and Annie Doocey, first working in the gas industry, and then diversifying into civil engineering and utilities infrastructure.