WALLACE Whittle has revealed that its WW:Academy junior level 2 staff are being paid an average of 40% above the minimum wage.
The firm said that the financial commitment not only comes in a bid to provide opportunities for the youngsters, but also acknowledges and rewards their hard work.
Amidst industry changes and advancements in technologies, the sustainable construction specialist explained that the fresh perspectives of the youngsters is playing a ‘crucial’ role in future-proofing operations – as well as ensuring the future of the sector and company is in safe hands.
Since its management buyout in 2021, Wallace Whittle has taken onboard over 30 new junior staff members. A ‘buy one get two free’ initiative has also been introduced, which sees a regional office hire of a junior staff member met with head office covering the cost of further two hires – encouraging the expansion of the junior team across the business.
The moves comes in a bid to reflect the firm’s belief in the potential of new talent and its dedication to providing opportunities for growth, with the commitment also ensuring a continuous influx of fresh ideas and perspective that contribute to the evolution of the company.
Anticipating further growth, the firm said that it plans to bring in a further 30 new junior staff over the next three years – with ten degree apprenticeships planned for 2024 across various locations in the UK, including Aberdeen, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Warrington, and London.
The company’s commitment to developing in-house talent is further supported by the Wallace Whittle Academy, focusing on four unique levels across our people, each targeting different areas of development.
At level 2, its academy provides a base level of training for junior members, offering support and guidance to enhance their skills and knowledge. Juniors undergo technical training to deliver project information and learn how to provide a quality service in a timely manner. This includes exposure to insights from main contractor and MEP contractor partners, architects, civil & structural engineers, project managers, and quantity surveyors.
Paul Hargreaves, Wallace Whittle academy manager, said, “We have an excellent enrolment of level 2 Academy members from multiple disciplines, keen to learn and eager to develop. We feel it’s our duty to give them the opportunity they deserve; all they have to do is take it. We are already seeing great progress and feel that future projects will be in safe hands.”
The upcoming edition of Project Scotland features an interview with Allan McGill, MD of Wallace Whittle, and director Stephen Osborne, on how the firm’s commitment to high levels of staff wellbeing is helping drive it forward.
