Multi Utility

Apprenticeship Scheme Career Opportunities

Information Booklet

OVERVIEW OF THE SCHEME

Introduction GTC Utility Construction (GUC), and Power On Connections (POC), are part of the Brookfield Utilities UK Group (BUUK). BUUK owns and operates gas, electricity, water, waste water, district heating and fibre underground distribution networks throughout mainland UK and employees 650 staff. With over 30,000 discrete utility networks serving over 1.3 million homes we are the leading independent provider of last mile utility networks in the UK. We construct to the highest safety standards, then own and operate in perpetuity these essential utility infrastructure assets. We support the new-build residential and commercial markets by providing both traditional and next-generation utility solutions. Our customers include most of the major UK house builders and construction firms. BUUK has nationwide coverage, and our employees work on new housing sites every day to extend our networks and provide new connections. GUC and POC primarily choose to build new networks using our own skilled workforce and the prime purpose of our apprenticeship scheme is to increase the number of, and skills of, our directly employed operative teams.

Our People

At the sharp end of the operation are our craftspeople. These are highly trained employees who we tend to divide into groups as follows:

Gas Distribution Team Leaders – lay gas mains and services and install meters Cable Jointer (Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage (HV)) – joints an electrical cables Fibre Engineer – lays and splices the fibre optic cables Water Team Leaders – lay water mains and services and install meters

Multi Utility Team Leaders – all or combinations of, the above The team leaders, who typically work paired with a mate, are organised to normally work within a specific geographic area. Each team is based from home and each has its own Team Manager. BUUK head office is at Woolpit in Suffolk and we operate 5 regional office and depot centres in the areas of Leeds, Cardiff, North London, South Essex and Leicester.

We utilise professional training agencies to provide elements of the training off job and there will be a requirement to attend their training centres during the apprenticeship. Our Training Scheme GUC apprentices w i l l be trained to become multi utility team leaders living and working throughout England and Wales. POC apprentices will be trained as LV & HV cable jointers. Our aim is to develop apprentices over a 6 year period equipping each apprentice with multiple skill sets. Following a competitive interview process, each apprentice will be streamed into an initial specific utility. Having trained in their initial utility skill, in the 3rd and 4th years the apprentice will undertake an improver period to gain essential experience before learning a further set of utility skills in years 5 and 6. Indeed the more skills you achieve the more valuable as an employee you will become to us. The indicative timeframe to attain a single set of skills is three years and up to six years for multiple skills. Dependent upon the stream the apprentice first follows there is a requirement to achieve a City & Guilds 2339 Level 2 and Level 3 Qualifications in Electrical Technology Engineering or a City and Guilds 6028 Level 2 Diploma in Network Construction Operator (Gas and Water Mains laying and Services), and complete our Technical Apprenticeship Record (TAR) Portfolio. There is a NVQ qualification required for gas/water/fibre skills. These qualifications are recognised throughout the utility industry. Most of the training will be ‘on job’ on building sites throughout England and Wales with experienced teams where initially the apprentice will be assigned as a third person to an existing team. The first weeks of the apprenticeship will take place at our training agency’s Training Centre, involving an initial induction week that includes basic safety modules.

Following this, apprentices will undertake on job training with an experienced team in order to practice the skills they have learnt in the Training Centre. Apprentices will return to the Training Centre for further periods throughout the year to complete their trade specific courses. The training scheme is structured around the TAR (Technical Apprenticeship Record), Portfolio. This involves completing a number of tasks a specified number of times, completing a portfolio of

evidence and written reports that include each task at least once. One of the major aims of the training is to encourage our Apprentices to take personal responsibility for themselves and their colleagues, as well as to develop them into professional, keen staff motivated to deliver results that meet our challenging targets. Each apprentice will have a Personal Manager and Mentor. They will also have access to trainers and support staff for assistance from the Training Centre at all times. During their training, the apprentices will be required to stay in selected accommodation for several weeks at a time, returning home most weekends. Whilst at the Training Centres, additional travelling and accommodation costs will be paid for by us. Most of our work takes place outdoors in all weathers and on all terrain, so an interest in outdoor activities and a preparedness to work in some difficult and arduous conditions is vital. The work also involves digging and manual handling of plant across rough ground, so physical fitness and confidence is essential. As apprentices become qualified to lead teams they will take the position of a team leader and have an assistant assigned. Occasionally apprentices will work together as a new team. Each member of staff has an annual performance review and opportunities may be available for those with aptitude, to study for higher electrical and business qualifications (e.g. BTEC) as required by the business. Having gained operational experience in the role of team leader, the opportunity may also arise, depending on the needs of the business, to study and develop into the role of Project Manager.

APPRENTICE FACT SHEET

Salary

Starting salary will be circa £12,500 p.a. plus a deferred bonus of 20% each year which will be awarded dependent on your good progress and attendance at work.

As you progress through the apprentice scheme your salary will increase in line with your skills and when you attain your status as a single utility Team Leader you can expect your salary to be circa £27,000 plus a deferred bonus of 20%.

Teamleaders with multiple skill sets can expect to receive a salary of circa £35,000 plus bonus.

Salaries are usually uplifted annually for the effect of inflation.

Salary progression stage gates are triggered by satisfactory completion of training portfolios.

Salary is paid monthly on the 20th of every month by credit transfer to a bank or building society account. As you progress through the scheme you will build up a deferred bonus pot (normally equivalent to 20% of your salary each year) which, subject to conditions, including your satisfactory service and progress, and still being employed at the payment date, the accumulated bonus pot will be paid to you early in year 7. You will be advised annually as to the value of the accumulated sum as it builds up. If you leave the scheme Your job offer will explain that you will responsible for repaying a proportion of the training costs we have invested in you if you resign whilst still designated as an apprentice. This is normal industry practice. Holidays You will be entitled to 20 days per annum plus bank holidays. Your holiday year will run from the 1st January each year. You are expected to reserve 3 days holiday to take between Christmas and New Year. Sick Pay If you are absent from work owing to illness, you will be paid a sick pay for the first 5 days in any rolling year, subject to the conditions of the Company sick pay scheme. Once this has been taken, you will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay only. Hours of Work Normal hours of work will average 40 per week. Since this is a Training Scheme, you will be required to undertake a significant amount of unpaid study and work in your own time.

Pension Details relating to the Company's pension scheme will be provided to new entrants when joining the Company. Start Date Successful candidates will start on 26 August 2014

Expenses Meals While working on site, you are expected to meet the cost of providing meals for your consumption during normal working hours. Any additional meals required outside of normal hours will be reimbursed upon production of receipts. While attending training courses all meals will be provided free of charge. Absence overnight Whenever you are required, at the Company’s discretion, to be away overnight, you will be provided with accommodation which will be paid for by the Company. During the apprenticeship, this will normally be provided within local private accommodation or a hotel. Travelling When you are required to travel to and from a place of work to the Training Centre your Manager will determine the means of travel. You will either have transport provided by the Company or, alternatively, you will be reimbursed by the Company on the basis of public transport costs or mileage. Training Courses Employees required to attend training courses will be treated in accordance with arrangements as described above. Qualifications Gained On Completion of Training It is important to note that these are academic courses and have little practical content. On successful completion of Gas/Water Qualification you will have gained a City and Guilds 6028 Level 2 Diploma in Network Construction Operator (Gas and Water Mains laying and Services). On successful completion of the electric distribution apprenticeship, you will have gained a City & Guilds 2339 Level 3 Certificate in Electrical Technology Engineering. The City and Guilds courses are open learning courses. You will be expected to attend all of your tutorials and various courses that will be held at our Training Centre. You will also be required to work in your own time with help from your Mentor and from Manchester Open Learning Help Line. There will be constant feedback. Any workbooks or manuals required will be provided free of charge. Since these qualifications are delivered to provide the basic level of electrical engineering knowledge and Gas/Water knowledge for people starting out in the industry, the courses require the development of a suitable level of technical understanding. They involve the application of Mathematics which is why we expect you to have GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above in Mathematics.

The Technical Apprenticeship Record Scheme requires you to keep a diarised, record of your work. You are also required to complete presentation work and undertake computer work using Microsoft Office applications. A degree of literacy and computer skills are therefore also required and this is why you are expected to have a GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above in English Language. Qualifications Required and Other Entry Requirements We require you to have, or expect to attain, at least five GCSE passes (or equivalent) at Grade C or above. You must have a GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above in Mathematics, English Language and one Science subject, or have an equivalent Level 3 recognised qualification in Electrical Engineering. Please note that we do not consider that Level 1 or Level 2 NVQ or Key Skills or Functional Skills qualifications provide adequate academic experience to count towards these entry requirements, therefore these will not be accepted, nor will they considered to count towards a higher GCSE Grade. We believe that the exam entry requirements of five GCSEs (or equivalent) which must include Mathematics, English Language and one Science should adequately equip candidates to complete this work. However, experience has shown that some people struggle with this “classroom” work so if candidates have concerns about this, please ask us for advice at the earliest opportunity. References This appointment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained. Pre-employment Medical This appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a ‘fitness for work’ medical assessment. This assessment will include a test for colour blindness for health and safety reasons. Entrance Qualifications and Proof of Identity You will be required to provide proof of your qualifications in the form of original certificates. If you are selected to attend the assessment day to show that you have gained all of the qualifications that you have stated on your application form. Photocopies will be taken of these documents and placed on your personal file should you be successful in securing a place on the Apprenticeship Scheme. We will be unable to offer you a place on the Apprenticeship Scheme if you do not provide proof, in the form of the original certificates, of all of the qualifications that you list on your application form. In the case of predicted grades, you will be required to provide formal evidence of the grades you achieve as soon as possible after you receive your results. We reserve the right to withdraw any offer of an apprenticeship which we may make in good faith on the basis of predicted grades, or grades stated in your application form, if the minimum entry requirements of five GCSE’s (or equivalent) Grades C or above,

which must include Mathematics, English Language and one Science subject are not achieved, or proof of this achievement is not provided. If you are unsure as to whether your qualifications are sufficient please contact us on one of the telephone numbers provided or email us at the appropriate email address, which can also be found by visiting our websites www.gtc-uk.co.uk www.poweronconnections.co.uk You will also be required to bring with you a valid passport or full birth certificate, and proof of your National Insurance Number. Again photocopies will be taken of these documents and placed on your personal file if you are successful in securing a place of the Apprenticeship Scheme. If you are unsuccessful, these documents will be destroyed. Spent Convictions There is no need to provide details of ‘spent’ convictions. Smoking at Work BUUK operates a no smoking policy in all depots, offices and Company vehicles. Our Training Centres are no smoking sites. Equipment Any tools, personal protective clothing and safety equipment (PPE) will be issued to you free of charge. Please note that certain items of safety equipment (harnesses etc.) have a maximum weight limit so, on safety grounds we will expect all Apprentices to maintain their weight below 120kg.

Our

Recruitment

Process

Stage 1 - Application Form The application form is the first stage of the recruitment process. The standard and content of your application form are important as this document will determine whether you are invited to the next stage of the selection process. Before you look at the application form, you should have read through this booklet. As this contains everything you need to know about the Apprentice Scheme. Presentation

Read through the application form before attempting to complete it. Your application form must be completed by you in your own handwriting. Follow any instructions carefully. Complete the form in ‘black or blue ink only’. Ensure that all sections are completed even if you have to use the term ‘Not Applicable’ or

‘N/A’ for items that don’t apply to you.

Ensure that you sign and date your application form. Use a separate sheet if there isn’t enough room on the application form, and ensure that this

is attached securely to your completed form with your name on the top of it. Content Education – List all of your qualifications gained at school, college and university where applicable and your grades. If you are still in education please complete your predicted grades indicating that they are only predicted. Job related education and training - please include any qualifications and training that you have undertaken not included in the above. This could be a course undertaken at work or memberships of professional bodies. Occupational experience – please record your last three positions. Experience, skills and hobbies – tell us about you, about your hobbies, experiences, any skills you have. Let us know your achievements, for example, First Aid Certificates, Duke of Edinburgh Awards etc. This gives us an insight you as a person and what you like to do. Why I would like to be an apprentice with GTC/POC – this is your chance to tell us why we should select you. Please give details of you would like to be an apprentice and why you have chosen us. References – please ensure that you have the permission of those you record on the form. If you have been employed or are currently employed, at least one of your referees should be your employer. If you have not been employed, then ideally your referees should be a, school teacher, college tutor, university lecturer, or a group leader, e.g. Scouts, St John Ambulance etc. You must provide details of two suitable referees. Driving Licence details – a full valid driving licence is essential for this role, therefore you must complete this section with your licence details.

Finally Please complete the final sections: Working in the UK, and additional information with the answers that apply to you. Please remember to sign and date your form before returning it. Keep a photocopy - it will be useful if you are invited to the next stage of the process. Return the form quickly. If it arrives late it may affect whether your will be considered for the next stage. Please note we reserve the right to reject any application forms that are not fully completed or have information missing. Please send your completed forms to the following: Suzanne Callaby GTC Energy House Woolpit Business Park Woolpit Suffolk IP30 9UP

Stage Two – The Assessment Day Those who meet the criteria and pass the first stage of the application process through their application form will be invited to an assessment day, which will be held week commencing 28 July 2014. Please advise us of any physical difficulties or personal circumstances that may affect your attendance or performance before attending/or participating in the assessment session, so that we are able to help you. The assessment day will entail three stages of the application process, they will be:

Numerical Reasoning and Technical Understanding tests. Practical assessment Team Work Assessment

As there is a practical test involved you are asked to wear comfortable practical clothing. In your invitation letter you will be provided with an envelope to place your passport/birth certificate driving licence and certificates etc. You will need to bring this envelope and its contents to the assessment centre. At the start of the day this envelope and its contents will be taken from you and the contents will be photocopied. The original documents will be returned to you in the same envelope at the end of the day. If you are unsuccessful at securing an apprenticeship, the photocopied documents will be destroyed. Numerical Reasoning and Technical Understanding Tests. Numerical Reasoning This test is designed to measure a candidate’s ability to use and apply Mathematics, number and algebra, shape and space and also handling data in various forms. Technical Understanding Test This test is designed to measure a candidate’s ability to understand written passages and to extract answers. It will contain the type of material likely to be found in a technical type setting, such as manuals or operating instructions. Information

The tests will be timed. You will be required to obtain the set minimum score in each test.

You will be able to use a calculator and one will be provided, as will all other equipment required.

Feedback is available on your test results. This will be explained to you at the assessment session.

If you wear reading glasses, please bring them with you. You will be given further guidance and information immediately prior to the tests commencing.

Practical Assessment This assessment is aimed to show how you deal with simple practical tasks and following instructions and will help us assess your suitability for an apprenticeship. The tasks will include the use of basic hand tools and you will need to understand and follow written instructions and diagrams in the process. Team Work Assessment Your ability to work in a team will be assessed in a group activity. You will have to work in your teams assuming various roles, whilst following instructions to complete a task. Assessment and Notification Following completion of the assessment day we will score candidates on their performance taking into account all activities completed. Those who pass the assessment day and are successful will be invited to stage 3, to attend an interview in the same week that the assessment centre was held. The interviews will be held at the BUUK head office in Suffolk. Those who have been unsuccessful at the assessment day will also be notified at this stage. Stage 3 This is the final stage of the process. Interview You will be interviewed by two managers who will ask you a number of questions to find out more about you and what you can offer the scheme. Useful tips when attending an interview:

Research our Company and what we do. Make sure you are fully aware of what an apprentice is and what being an apprentice

involves

Make sure you fully understand our apprenticeship scheme and ensure that it is the right role for you

What can you give to the role that other candidates may not be able to? What are your skills and previous experiences and how do they relate to this role Shake hands with interviewers, smile and maintain eye contact with the person asking the

questions. Be aware of body language - adopt positive gestures and stance. Listen positively, nod and smile appropriately, answer questions fully – remember this is a

chance to sell yourself Completion of the Process Following final interviews we will notify you by telephone or in writing within two weeks to let

you know if you have been successful. Those who have been successful will then be sent a conditional offer of employment which will be subject to: Your right to work in the UK Full valid driving licence Medical fitness – including colour blindness References Good luck with your application!