National Apprenticeship Week: The HEX Group shares its secret to success
Hixon-based manufacturer, The HEX Group, is proud to be involved in ‘National Apprentice Week,’ an annual awareness event celebrating the positive impacts apprenticeships bring to businesses and communities.
Apprentices are a crucial focus of The HEX Group and have been for 15 years. In line with this year’s National Apprentice Week’s theme – Skills for Life – two former apprentices, who have been with The HEX Group since the company first introduced its apprenticeship programme, share their success stories.
Louis Spalding, now a mechanical project manager, kicked his career off at The HEX Group back in 2010. “I owe my career to my apprenticeship” says Louis. “It’s not just about the hands-on training to develop technical skills, it’s also about the mentorship and pastoral support I received, which gave me confidence and direction. Fast forward 15 years and I’m proud to still be a part of The HEX Group, having held several roles in various departments.”
Tommy Buckley, a project engineer, is another successful apprentice who has been here since day one of our apprenticeship programme. “The skills I learnt early on shaped everything I do, even now, 15 years later. With The HEX Group apprenticeship programme, it’s not just about learning a job,” says Tommy, “It’s about growing as a person too, through learning to think critically, solving problems and leading projects. These are the skills that I’ve relied on throughout every step of my career.
“Apprenticeships really do equip the next generation for long-term success, and Louis and I, plus hundreds of others at The HEX Group, really are a testament to that.”
To celebrate National Apprentice Week, The HEX Group is hosting a STEM open day at its site and is also visiting a host of Staffordshire schools and colleges throughout the week to provide local students with more information about apprenticeships. These sessions will allow prospective apprentices to learn more about available opportunities, the application process and the benefits of joining The HEX Group.
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting apprenticeships and skills development, The HEX Group will also be opening its new Centre of Excellence later this month. This state-of-the-art training hub will serve as a dedicated space for apprentices and the wider workforce, reinforcing the company's focus on continuous learning and career development.
Apprenticeship manager at The HEX Group, William Davies-Hill, has managed The HEX Group’s apprenticeship programme for nine years. He says, “Apprentices are a vital part of the success of our company – as well as those we support through our managed apprenticeship scheme – bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and creativity. We’re proud to support the growth of talented individuals who will shape the future of our business and build meaningful, rewarding careers, and many of our apprentices, like Louis and Tommy, have gone on to become valued full-time employees.”
Grace Williams, who works alongside William as the apprenticeship coordinator, adds, “I have the best job in the world. From pastoral care right through to helping with academic work, I truly feel like a big sister to our apprentices.”
For more information on The HEX Group, visit: thehexgroup.co.uk.
