PODP apprenticeship success story
CPI apprentice highlights impact of Tarmac’s National Skills and Safety Park and industry collaboration
A YOUNG apprentice from Chepstow Plant International (CPI) has transformed his career prospects through training at the Tarmac National Skills and Safety Park, with support from the Professional Operator Development Programme (PODP) and the wider Minerals Matter initiative.
Jake joined the PODP after leaving school with minimal qualifications. With hands-on training at the National Skills and Safety Park and support from his employer, CPI, he has made exceptional personal and professional progress, gaining qualifications, building confidence, and finding a meaningful career path in the mineral products industry.
‘The Park gave me a second chance,’ said Jake. ‘Since joining the PODP, I’ve become more confident, a better communicator, and I’ve finally passed qualifications I didn’t think I’d ever get. It’s really changed my life, and I’m proud to be where I am today.’
The Tarmac National Skills and Safety Park in Nottinghamshire is a dedicated facility supporting skills development and safety excellence across the construction and materials sector. Working closely with employers like CPI and sector initiatives such as Minerals Matter, the Park provides vital support for new talent entering the industry.
Matt Gibbs, senior manager - operational competence at Tarmac, said: ‘Jake’s story is a brilliant example of what can happen when training, employer support, and industry-wide initiatives work together. Programmes like PODP are helping to reshape perceptions of our sector and give individuals a solid foundation to build a lasting career – whether it’s young people looking to start their career or an individual that is looking to learn new knowledge, skills, and behaviours. We’re proud to support that.’
Chepstow Plant International, one of the UK’s leading earthmoving contractors, continue to support early-career development through apprenticeships, and support the aims of Minerals Matter – an initiative designed to attract and retain talent across the mineral products sector.
John Corcoran, managing director of Chepstow Plant International, said: ‘Jake’s development is testament to what structured apprenticeship programmes and the right support can achieve. At Chepstow, we’re proud to back initiatives like PODP and to work closely with Tarmac and the National Skills and Safety Park to provide real-world training opportunities that make a difference. It’s vital for the future of our industry that we invest in young people and champion stories like Jake’s to inspire the next generation.’
