Haydon Mechanical & Electrical, one of the leading building services contractors in the south of England was first introduced to BEST by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA) more than six years ago and is currently training seven apprentices at its Chandlers Ford regional office in Hampshire.

Although some employers are reluctant to offer trainees work placements beause they presume they are two costly, Haydon has taken a different approach towards recruiting apprentices as regional director Andy Cuddy stressed: "Whilst the industry is generally lacking enthusiastic trainees, the obvious benefit of employing apprentices is that they are less expensive than fully qualified professionals, although their money is increased to the normal industry pay structure on completion of their training.  The long term and sometimes hidden benefit, is our apprentices during their training are mentored and 'Haydonised', therefore cultivating their future abilities within the organisation.  We also have the added benefit of reducing our time and money on non-productive advertising and agency costs."

www.haydonme.co.uk