JTL is celebrating its 30-year anniversary, with the organisation having first offered electrical apprenticeships back in 1990.
The training provider was established as a joint venture between the Electrical Contractors’ Association and Unite the Union, although it has changed somewhat since it first began offering apprenticeships.
In fact, while the organisation began by offering training opportunities in the electrical sector, it has since expanded to the heating and plumbing industries. Apprenticeships in plumbing were first introduced by JTL in 2002.
The organisation further expanded in 2011, when it began offering professional short courses across the country. This has led JTL to where it is today, working with over 3,800 businesses, training more apprentices than anyone else in the building services engineering sector, and supporting 8,000 young people across four apprenticeship disciplines (Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Ventilating and Engineering Maintenance). JTL is an OFSTED recognised ‘good’ provider and, as a registered charity, every penny is reinvested back into the training it offers.
JTL says it now offers apprenticeships in over 100 colleges, partnerships and its own centres in England and Wales.
More than just training
JTL has turned its attention to more than just offering apprenticeships during its history. In fact, the training provider has given back to the building services engineering sector in numerous ways, whether it’s a free tool kit scheme, the annual Apprentice of the Year Awards, or even the free bite-size digital courses as part of its Power Up initiative.
Jon Graham, chief executive of JTL, said, “We have seen many changes in the industry over the last three decades, and 2020 has certainly been the most challenging to date with the outbreak of Covid-19. JTL recognises that this is a worrying and unpredictable time, so we are continuing to raise the profile and appeal of apprenticeships, as well as supporting both learners and employers, to ensure the pipeline of skilled tradespeople continues.
“This year marks a truly special anniversary for everybody involved with JTL as we celebrate 30 years of training people, and continue our vision of supporting our learners with opportunities to build futures and change their lives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported JTL over the years, from apprentices and staff to employers and industry bodies, plus all those working behind the scenes to help establish JTL as the leading training provider it is today.”