We are pleased to announce Benchmark has launched its new Green Training Academy in conjunction with its partners Oldham College and Groundtherm Ltd for customers who wish to gain hands-on knowledge of sustainable product solutions and renewable technologies.
The training facility is the result of a £100,000 investment by Oldham College and its partner brands, and demonstrates Benchmark’s commitment to training to ensure professional tradesmen have the knowledge and skills to successfully implement the sustainable building agenda.
The academy offers a multi-purpose training space with products and solutions in real-life settings. Demonstration areas include room sets for wet and dry work, a dedicated low level roofing rig, a training set for the commissioning of solar thermal and solarphotovoltaic (PV) systems, an elevated drainage pit and rainwater harvesting systems. In addition, the facility has two inter-connecting training rooms with full IT and internet access.
To complement the practical and hands-on training at the academy, the new Benchmark Learning Gateway will also provide an opportunity for our customers to access e-learning modules on a range of sustainable products and solutions, renewable technologies, market drivers and legislation updates. This additional service will offer another valuable means of education and training for the marketplace.
We are proud to announce that Tom Arrundale, our high flying apprentice at the Romiley Branch of the business, has been named the Builders Merchants Federation’s National Apprentice of the Year 2011. Tom picked up the award at the annual BMF Member’s Day event in Warwickshire, beating numerous candidates from the UK’s largest national and independent merchants.
Tom joined the company 18 months ago and has throughout this time demonstrated eagerness to learn and take on new challenges. He has already gained exposure to many different sides of the business from working in the yard and getting deliveries ready for drivers, to serving customers and supporting administration and management. For the last seven months Tom has been assisting Chris Dawson, Key Accounts Manager, with pricing up tenders and taking off drawings along with chasing new business.
Tom himself commented:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Benchmark as an apprentice. Since starting I have learned more than I expected, and have been given numerous opportunities to earn qualifications such as First Aid, NVQs and licenses to operate machinery. Everybody at the company has helped me to gain knowledge and develop skills, which is what has helped me achieve this award.”
Benchmark take on new apprentices every year, and we put our young people through a rigorous training programme covering all aspects of the business. We strongly believe these members of our staff are our future, and are very grateful to our regular staff who invest their time and experience mentoring our apprentices. We are very proud of Tom winning apprentice of the year and extremely proud of having him part of the Benchmark team.
Well done Tom!!
You may have noticed we’ve given our website a slight makeover and added some new features. This is all part of our plan to improve communication with our existing and potential customers. Over the coming weeks and months we hope to introduce more content and update existing information on our products and services to help you make the best choices for your building material needs.
We’ve also ventured into the world of social media by opening a Twitter account in August. Follow us if you wish to be among the first to hear about our regular special promotional offers, green building tips, breaking industry news and more!
Please check back regularly for new updates to the website and if you have any suggestions or comments we’d love to hear from you.
