Anybody watching Ann Widdecombe’s recent controversial TV programme on ITV (shown 10pm on 22nd August 2007) “Ann versus The Benefit Culture” may have noticed that the one success story revolved around Roy Hankinson Limited.
On the programme Ann was challenging long term unemployed people to get back to work but despite Ann’s best efforts she had no success until she came across Birkenhead girls Katrina Reynolds and Gemma Bullen and Roy Hankinson Limited.
The Company has a history of taking on apprentices and when ITV approached Stephen Hankinson, Group Chief Executive, he was delighted to give Katrina and Gemma an opportunity.
Stephen said “as a Company we are passionate about developing local skills and working with the local community so we had no problem getting involved”.
Katrina and Gemma then joined the team of 40 local people working on the refurbishment contract with Wirral Partnership Homes. The team already included
7 Apprentices
3 people who had been long term unemployed and 2 college students who needed site experience to achieve their NVQ trade qualifications.
The Company also offers regular work experience to students from schools.
Ann was delighted that both girls completed a week’s work experience in front of the cameras but was also interested in what would happen when the cameras were turned off.
Both girls actually completed a 12 week trial period and Katrina has now passed her skills test with CITB Construction Skills and has been accepted on to a formal apprenticeship.
Stephen Hankinson was delighted with the success story saying “there are tremendous opportunities for people in construction and there is a shortage of skilled people. The industry is also very keen to involve women in construction and Katrina helps fill that gap”.