At ACE Training, we believe the strongest partnerships are built on a shared commitment to developing people, creating opportunities and investing in the future of the construction and maintenance industries.
One employer who embodies that commitment is Somerville College, where apprenticeships are playing an increasingly important role in shaping a skilled, reliable workforce for the future.
We recently spoke to Chris Wells Head of Maintenance about why apprenticeships matter to the college, the value apprentices bring to the workplace and why building long-term employer partnerships are so important.
Investing in Skills for the Future
For Chris and the maintenance team at Somerville College, apprenticeships are not simply about recruitment. They are about sustainability, succession planning and futureproofing the workforce.
“For us, it’s about building a strong, reliable maintenance team for the future. It’s getting harder to find skilled people, so growing our own and upskilling the team we already have just makes sense.”
Across the construction and maintenance sectors, employers are increasingly facing skills shortages, particularly in multi-skilled roles. Rather than waiting for skilled workers to become available, businesses like Somerville College are proactively developing talent internally.
That long-term thinking is exactly why ACE Training works so closely with employers. Helping them create pathways that benefit both the individual and the wider business.
Apprentices Bring Real Value to the Workplace
One of the biggest misconceptions around apprenticeships is that they are purely educational. In reality, apprentices quickly become valuable members of the workforce, contributing to productivity, efficiency and team development from an early stage.
Chris explained that apprentices are already making a noticeable difference within the maintenance team. “They add value as they learn, therefore taking pressure off the team and improving day to day efficiency. It’s also a cost effective way to develop people who understand how we work.”
As apprentices gain experience, they begin developing practical, job-ready skills that directly impact operations on site. From fault finding and repairs to understanding complex building systems, these hands on capabilities are helping reduce the reliance on external contractors while strengthening internal expertise.
For employers, this creates not only immediate operational benefits but also long term workforce resilience.
More Than Technical Skills
While technical knowledge is vital, the development of soft skills is equally important, especially within construction and maintenance environments where communication, professionalism and teamwork are essential every day.
Chris highlighted the significant personal growth he has seen through apprenticeships. “Confidence, communication, reliability have all improved massively. In maintenance, you’re dealing with different people all the time, so those skills are just as important as the practical side.”
At ACE Training, this holistic development is central to everything we do. Apprenticeships are about far more than qualifications. They are about helping individuals grow into capable, confident professionals who can thrive in the workplace and contribute positively to their teams and communities.
Tackling the Skills Gap Together
The construction industry continues to face a growing skills gap, and employers have a crucial role to play in addressing it. Somerville College is already seeing the benefits of investing in people internally, using apprenticeships to upskill existing team members and build future capability within the department.
“There’s definitely a gap in the industry, especially for multi-skilled roles. We’re already upskilling one team member through an apprenticeship and looking to do the same with another, so we’re building that capability ourselves.”
Alongside apprenticeships, the college has also welcomed students for work experience placements which is another vital step in introducing young people to careers within the industry at an early stage. This proactive approach reflects the type of employer partnership ACE Training are passionate about supporting. We excel when working with like-minded businesses that are willing to invest in people, nurture talent and open doors for the next generation.
The Importance of Employer Partnerships
Strong employer relationships are at the heart of successful apprenticeships. For ACE Training, working collaboratively with employers means understanding their workforce needs, supporting learners throughout their journey, and making the process as straightforward and effective as possible. Chris described the partnership with ACE Training as supportive, engaging, and focused on the individual. “ACE have been great to work with. They’re really engaging and make the whole process easy. It feels like they really care about the individual and the training, not just ticking boxes.”
That partnership approach is something we pride ourselves on. We know that successful apprenticeships rely on everyone working together – employers, training providers, mentors and learners all in sync to create positive outcomes that benefit both businesses and individuals alike.
Advice to Other Employers
For businesses considering apprenticeships but unsure where to start, Chris’s advice is simple. “Just go for it. Start small if needed, but it’s worth it. It’s a long term investment that really pays off.”
At ACE Training, we see first-hand the difference apprenticeships make every day. Not only in helping employers develop skilled, loyal teams, but in giving individuals life changing opportunities to develop skills for life and build meaningful careers. As the industry continues to evolve, partnerships between employers and training providers will remain essential in creating the workforce of tomorrow. And that starts with giving people the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
