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Multi-partner Success Story

Key partners: 

GM Procure
HT Forrest
Manchester Solutions
Skills Solutions
City College

Apprentice: Marc Pearson
Marc Pearson left school at 16 with very few qualifications. He soon found himself without a job, no education and no prospect of training. The Government acronym for this situation is NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).

Then Marc attended a specialist programme run by Tim Lomas at City College (now part of Manchester College) aimed at individuals who had difficulty learning at school and subsequently were unable to find employment. Marc became motivated to learn basic joinery and painting & decorating as well as useful life skills.

Once Marc completed the City College course, and on Tim's recommendation, Chris Taylor of Manchester Solutions put Marc forward for an apprenticeship with one of GM Procure's contractors, HT Forrest of Preston. Following a successful two week work trial, Marc was offered a position by the company. Training provider Skills Solutions then arranged his college place and apprenticeship training.

GM Procure fund the placement as part of its commitment to invest in sustainable communities and prove its credentials as a vehicle for regeneration. Companies that win contracts through GM Procure – in this case HT Forrest - undertake to employ two apprentices for every £1 million of contracts won. Marc Pearson’s success is a tangible outcome of these goals.

A collaborative approach between Skills Solutions and HT Forrest ensured Marc got the experience necessary to complete his apprenticeship in carpentry & joinery. Now, aged 19, Marc is progressing to NVQ Level 3 and the future looks bright.

HT Forrest training officer Andrew Brierley said: “Marc is doing extremely well and was considered for apprentice of the year. He was only beaten by another apprentice who went on to the Skillbuild national finals. The apprenticeship has brought out Marc’s better qualities; he can now see his future ahead of him.”

Commercial director at HT Forrest John Chew said: “Of the 14 apprentices we’ve got from GM Procure, Marc is one of the brightest.”

Downloard article here