With over 500 employees, Unitas is one of the largest construction-based businesses in Stoke-on-Trent. Our primary purpose is as Stoke-on-Trent City Councils’ Repairs and Maintenance company, with responsibility for 17000 homes and over 600 commercial properties. As such, Unitas has to be able to fulfil a huge variety of work, including painting and decorating, plumbing, gas fitting, roofing, rendering, electrical repair and maintenance, plastering, building and gas fitting – to name but a few.
As a result of the wide reach of required tasks, our team has to have a wide-ranging skillset. We pride ourselves on employing the very best professionals and each job role comes with a detailed Job Description and Person Specification. Once employed, our staff are then given a comprehensive training plan which supports their ambition and personal development.
But how do they get into construction in the first place?
Read on…
Depending on the job role in question, there are a number of pathways to get into a career in construction:
Apprenticeships
It’s no secret that we’re very proud of both our Apprentices and our track record of recruitment and support for Apprentices. Apprenticeships come in all shapes and sizes, but within Unitas, we’ve taken on Apprentice Electricians, Gas Fitters and Joiners. Many of our Apprentices have gone on to secure full time roles within Unitas once completing their training. Find out more about Apprenticeships in Stoke-on-Trent here.
College Courses
Our very own Stoke-on-Trent College has an excellent and long-standing reputation for tailored courses in Construction. With vocational courses such as BTECS and City and Guilds courses in a variety of disciplines, including Bricklaying, Joinery and Construction, there is a choice for those who wish to go down the academic route. College based courses often come with work experience placements and Unitas has been delighted to work with Stoke-on-Trent College on many occasions, providing both placements and lectures.
University
Within a number of disciplines, there is the need for further education, either in the form of a degree or HND (Higher National Diploma). These might include Architecture, Civil Engineering and Surveying. Unitas has supported many of our employees as they undertook university courses to further their own knowledge and career development.
Professional Qualifications
Britain has a number of professional bodies such as The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Architects Registration Board. These are dedicated to monitoring and maintaining standards of these professionals and supporting them in their work. Many come with an entrance exam as well as stipulations that members have to do a number of hours of study and professional development every year to maintain their membership.
