Local apprentices on the road
Jun 13, 2013
Apprentices working for Oldham based construction and regeneration company Emanuel Whittaker have been given the chance to take subsidised driving lessons, thanks to an initiative from Procure Plus, the company’s procurement partner.
Lee Bradbury, Health, Safety & Environment Manager for Emanuel Whittaker said: “Our trainees are not office based and are regularly asked to work on sites all across Greater Manchester. These are young men and women and chances are they have not yet had the opportunity, or the cash, to pass their driving tests. This can have an adverse effect on the effectiveness of their training and their futures in the industry.
“Procure Plus has recognised the issue and is giving 20 top performing trainees a head start by providing up to 20 hours of driving lessons as well as paying for their theory and practical tests which is a saving of between £300 – £400.”
Despite the best efforts of Emanuel Whittaker to keep trainees in their local area, it is not always possible and so having the ability to drive is a real bonus for these young trainees.
Emanuel Whittaker apprentice external wall insulation operative, Rachel Howarth and bricklayer, Katie Lockwood were part of the first intake to benefit from the scheme and are now the proud owners of a driving licence.
Katie said: “The help from Procure Plus has really made a difference. I live in Royton and have to work all over Manchester and so being able to drive will not only make getting to and from work considerably easier, but will also help my career as having my driving licence is an obvious bonus. It would have probably taken me a lot longer and cost me a lot more money to get my licence if I had not had this help from procure plus. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
Three more trainees based at Emanuel Whittaker have just been selected for the scheme. Matthew Casey, Rhys Jones and Bradley Healey will soon be starting their driving lessons and are hoping to secure their driving licences and get on the road before the end of the year.
Site Managers Required
Jun 12, 2013Due to recent contract wins, Emanuel Whittaker are looking to recruit Site Managers to work in refurbishment projects in and around the Greater Manchester area.
Site Managers must be experienced in local authority and housing association refurbishment projects and must be able to work with the client in surveying and scheduling the works prior to commencement on site. The projects will be multi-trade and subcontractor control is an essential element of the job.
The ability to hand over projects to budget and on time is critical, as is the excellent relationship which must be maintained with residents at all times.
If you are interested, please forward your CV to John Gallagher, Contracts Director at john@emanuel-whittaker.co.uk or use the ‘Contact Us’ facility at the bottom of this page.
Phil’s Mr Fixit
Apr 22, 2013
Phil Peacock has been appointed Facilities Manager for Emanuel Whittaker Ltd.
Previously at Bramall Construction for over 15 years, Phil’s new role will include responsibility for the company’s head office building in Oldham, its vehicle fleet and maintaining and developing sustainable IT services across the business.
Phil, who lives in Worsley, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me and I am looking forward to helping Emanuel Whittaker deliver high-quality services that reflect the evolving needs of the business and its customers.”
Adelle’s big move
Mar 8, 201340 year old Adelle Bigland has been appointed quantity surveyor for regeneration and construction company Emanuel Whittaker.
Previously a quantity surveyor at Keepmoat, Adelle, who lives in Shaw, said she has always been keen to work for Emanuel Whittaker.
“I had heard so many great reports about the company that I jumped at the chance to apply for the position,” she said. “It is like working for a great big family and I am thrilled to be continuing my career here.”
John White retires after over 50 years of service
Feb 10, 2013
John and Clive pictured in the workshops where his career began over 50 years ago.
Friends and colleagues gather to wish John a fond farewell.
John White, one of Emanuel Whittaker’s longest serving employees, retired on Friday 8th February 2013.
At an emotional farewell gathering held at the Emanuel Whittaker Oldham Head Offices, friends and colleagues gathered to wish him well in his retirement.
Clive Newton, Managing Director, and close friend of John gave an emotional speech which gave current employees an idea of how life was back in the day when John began his career with Emanuel Whittaker…
“The date at the top of the page is 5th January 1963. It is the pay run for the previous week. At the bottom after 76 other employees a new name has been added: J.S White. Apprentice Joiner. 1s 5d per hour. Gross pay for 42 hours would be £2 19s 6d, and you would pay 6s 9d national insurance.
There is a note “commenced 31st December 1962”. That’s right, John started on New Year’s Eve and also worked New Year’s Day. We had no New Year holiday in those days.
But John, who’s attendance has been exemplary ever since, didn’t do 42 hours that first week, he only did 25 1/2. He had two days off with tonsillitis. Not the best of starts to a working life!”
“Four names above John’s is T Whittaker, Apprentice Joiner. Tom Whittaker, great grandson of Emanuel and a future Managing Director of the company.
On 4th February 1963 John got a rise. One farthing per hour! For those of you who don’t know or can’t remember the value of a farthing, if John had worked a 48 hour week the rise would be worth 5p per week in present money.
Jack Kennedy the American President was still alive and well. We wouldn’t put a man on the moon for another 6 years. Indeed it would still be three years before I joined Emanuel Whittaker’s met John and started a friendship that has lasted nearly 47 years. To date!”
Clive explained how John’s work has “always been exceptional. Quite simply his work is always right and always to the highest possible standard… for me John White will always be ‘good joiner’, ‘good bloke’.”
John explained that it was an emotional day “It’s always nice when someone reaches a retirement day that they have long been looking forward to. But it’s also nice to reach that day with a bit of trepidation and some mixed feelings. Because if you have longed for the day to come then you probably haven’t been enjoying your work.” John explained that he had mixed feelings because he continues to love his work.
John was presented with a cheque and a gift from his colleagues, as well as a final word from Clive: “We’ll miss you John. I’ll miss you. So make sure we see plenty of you. And thank you very much for the magnificent service you have given to the company”.