Award-winning Telford company The Dodd Group is a role model in the construction industry – and a big champion of apprenticeships.

The company, which now employs more than 900 people, says it is proud of its heritage, having remained a family-owned business since its formation in Shropshire 75 years ago.

A former Shropshire Company of the Year, it promotes apprenticeships to its supply chain, subcontractors and associates, working in partnership with Telford College.

A recent success is Hayden Williams who joined as an apprentice electrician last year.

He said: “In September 2021, I was fortunate to begin an electrical apprenticeship with Dodd Group. This has enabled me to work with a team of the most skilled and professional electricians in a variety of local and national sites and projects.

“My apprenticeship combines this practical experience with studying once a week at Telford College.

“After the completion of my A-levels I have enjoyed being able to apply myself in a professional working environment, which has also developed me personally. Dodd Group has provided me with these fundamentals and opportunities to develop myself and I look forward to taking this further into my career.”

The Dodd Group is now on the lookout for another apprentice – an IT technician apprentice to work at the firm’s head office in Telford.

They will have an important role in providing support to all IT users, learning to diagnose ICT problems and applying appropriate testing methodologies to hardware and software as well as becoming involved in projects.

Off-the-job study will lead to achievement of the ICT level three standard, studying one day a week with Telford College on an apprenticeship expected to last around 18 months.

Mary-Anne Clayton, Dodd Group’s HR manager, said: “With a number of directors and managers at Dodd Group having emerged through apprenticeship routes, the company is a proud advocate of vocational training.

• Full details of the latest Dodd Group apprenticeship opportunity can be found here
• For more information about Telford College apprenticeships, click here

Amanda Carpenter, project lead for the Ladder for Shropshire, said: “We are so pleased to have the ongoing support of the Dodd Group in promoting and offering apprenticeships. These opportunities are giving our young people the first vital steps towards successful careers.”