Employer of the Year Award
(50-249 employees)

Slack & Parr Ltd is a medium sized employer with nearly 200 staff, 12% of whom are apprentices. Based in Kegworth, near Derby, this engineering company excels at supporting their apprentices during and after their training.

Slack & Parr, which has been training apprentices for nearly 90 years and now employs 24 apprentices. The company prides itself on its thorough selection processes, dedicated training department and regular monitoring and reviewing. Around 40% of its apprentices are on Higher Education courses – with a target of 60% set for September 2006.

“Not only have we managed to reduce the effect of the engineering skill shortage,” says Training Manager Bryan Harrison, “but the constant source of a progressive young workforce has enabled us to keep the company at the cutting edge of education and technology.”

Slack & Parr’s apprentices have a 100% completion rate this year, and 80% over the past 5 years, which is achieved through a dedicated training department and an “open door” policy.

The company’s apprentices are fast-tracked through the programme at different rates according to their abilities, and parents or carers of Slack & Parr’s younger apprentices are actively involved to ensure a smooth transition from the classroom to the workplace.