Rebus Training is a specialist electrical training centre focusing on apprentices, based in Stoke-on-Trent. Set-up by Jon Grocock and Gary Jackson in 2010, Rebus is now the largest private training centre in the area.

The company has recently added another feather to its cap in being awarded LCL Awards’ new Inclusivity Charter, which has been designed to encourage approved centres to demonstrate how they actively welcome people from all walks of life; through their values, behavior and flexibility of course delivery.

LCL Awards EV and Technical Specialist, Steve Humphreys, caught up with Jon recently to find out how Rebus plans to use the Inclusivity Charter to develop the business:

SH: Jon, it’s great to hear that you’ve been awarded the Inclusivity Charter. Would you like to tell us what you think about it?

JG: I think it’s excellent. Anything that encourages more people into the industry is a good thing. We all know there’s a shortage of qualified people in the electrical industry and therefore a clear demand for training, which is obviously key to my business. 

When you consider the broad diversity of the UK there are customers out there who would prefer to employ the services of a female electrician or an electrician with a similar ethnicity to themselves, it makes sense to encourage as many people into the industry as possible.

LCL Awards’ new charter is a step in the right direction – shining a light on an issue that needs addressing. The charter will help us to promote our values to our customers and demonstrate them to other interested stakeholders such as Ofsted.

SH: Will you be marketing your courses to a specific group?

JG: We do not specifically target any particular group, but we recognise the importance of inclusivity and have updated our marketing to show diversity.

We continually review the business to make improvements and about 18 months ago recruited a female Apprenticeships Engagement Officer. Her role is central to the promotion of Rebus Training to school-leavers and we believe girls in particular, who might not have considered a career in the electrical industry, are more comfortable talking to a woman about opportunities in the sector.

We have also created two Apprentice Liaison Officer positions (both female). They work with apprentices and employers to ensure everyone feels they have a voice. We see the value in sharing stories to encourage others to think about a career in the electrical industry.

One of our ALOs is currently working with two of our female customers; an apprentice and a qualified domestic installer; to produce written case studies that will be useful in promoting the role of females in the industry.

The inclusivity charter is valuable to us because it demonstrates that another organisation recognises the steps we are taking. It is one thing for Rebus to say we are doing something to foster inclusivity, but the charter gives us more credibility.

For more information about LCL Awards Inclusivity Charter, please click here

To find out more about Rebus Training, click here