Seddon Group’s Long Standing Apprenticeship Programme Takes National Award

Published by Jo Foster for Seddon in Education

Seddon Group has secured a major industry award for its long-standing apprenticeship programme, which has operated for seven decades and helped thousands of young people across the UK into a trade.

The Group – which delivers building, painting and maintenance services across the UK through Seddon Construction and Seddon Property Services - has been recognised as the UKCG Employer of the Year.

John Seddon, retired chairman of the Seddon Group, received the award at the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) Annual Lunch event, held in London.

With an annual investment of £4 million per annum on training, Seddon Group currently has 150 apprentices in post throughout the UK. 

More than two thousand craftspeople have undergone training with the Group since the inception of the apprenticeship programme more than 70 years ago - and a significant proportion of directors and managers within Seddon Construction and Seddon Property Services started their careers with the company as apprentices.

Rod Sellers, Chairman of Seddon Group, said: “We are honoured to be recognised by the UKCG with such a prestigious award. 

“It is a reflection of the high regard in which Seddon hold their workforce and testament to the investment made by the Group in the future of the industry.

“Despite the current economic climate, it is vital that we continue to train and encourage people to enter the industry.  It is essential that all of us in the industry play our part and take responsibility to train and maintain a skilled construction workforce.”

The UK Contractors Group (UKCG) is the primary association for contractors operating in the UK, with more than 30 members who between them deliver £36 billion of construction turnover - a third of total construction output.

It works to promote the interests of the construction industry; and take leadership to raise standards within the sector.

Stephen Ratcliffe, Director of UKCG, said: “Seddon Group has a long history of supporting apprentices and UKCG was therefore delighted to announce the company as the first winner of this award. It reflects the fact that Seddon had a higher proportion of apprentices in its workforce than any other entrant."

Ends

For further information contact Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR, 01538 308685 07985 129315

Mike Gabriel, Seddon Marketing Manager, 01204 570 400