“We have been working with Bowles for several years now..The modules bring real benefit, firstly, allowing them to understand a lot about themselves and how they react to certain situations, and secondly, to learn the importance of plan – do – review – and re do, in an environment that is not as fast-paced as the workplace.”Apprentice+ Manager
About the Laing O’Rourke programme
Bowles has worked with Laing O’Rourke on the delivery of its Apprentice+ Programme since 2014 and during this time has supported the delivery of 7 Apprentice+ functional skill learning modules.
The key requirements were to ensure that each module delivered had a key learning theme underpinning the essential skills of apprentices’ development:
- Communication
- Initiative and Drive
- Working as a Team,
- Problem Solving,
- Embracing Change and Innovation.
The quality & consistency of facilitation staff is also a high priority ensuring that apprentices are guided and encouraged effectively with their learning.
At the heart of each design and planning meeting is the partnership approach taken by both Bowles and Laing O’Rourke. This integrated approach ensures that the Laing O’Rourke suite of behaviours are integrated into each programme ensuring a truly joined up programme. There is also a strong commitment to the development of each apprentice, their skills and progression within the workplace.
Every module concludes with apprentices committing their learning to a work-based Action Plan, ensuring new skills and ideas are transferred and shared back in the work place. These action plans are supported by their supervisors and revisited at the start of the next module to reinforce development and progress.
The objectives of the programme
- Be able to react positively to change, generating ideas and practical solutions.
- Be able to recognise problems and analyse alternative solutions
- Understand what motivates them-selves and adapt their style to accommodate that others are motivated differently
- Have a further understanding of the additional Excellence Plus behaviours
- Know the qualities of an ideal Laing O’Rourke apprentice.
- Have greater self-awareness and have updated your personal development plan
Did the Bowles programme achieve these objectives?
Having worked with a cohort of apprentices through their first and second year modules, the progression and impact of their experiences, coupled with the excellent in-house support they receive within Laing O’Rourke, have been very visible. Conversations with apprentices have indicated far greater self-awareness and a greater work-based skill set. Their confidence has grown and their ability to ask and question themselves and each other’s behaviours has been notable.
The Bowles/Laing O’Rourke partnership has been highly rewarding for all involved. We have been privileged to work alongside an organisation which values its apprentices as a key part of its future success. We have also been privy to their strong ethos of staff development.
“We have been working with Bowles for several years now and feel the work we do with them is an integral part of our apprenticeship+ programme. The modules bring real benefit, firstly, allowing them to understand a lot about themselves and how they react to certain situations, and secondly, to learn the importance of plan – do – review – and re do, in an environment that is not as fast-paced as the workplace. The professional approach by the team at Bowles hits just the right note with our apprentices, treating them like the young adults they are, while ensuring they make the most out of the learning experience the centre provides.” Apprentice+ Manager