New recruits on JTL apprenticeship programmes in plumbing, heating and ventilating are to receive a free start-up set of tools, thanks to a unique partnership between JTL and supplier Monument Tools.

Set to make useful savings for employers looking to grow their workforce, and in addition to a potential grant of £1,500, the Level 2 kit includes items such as 15mm and 22mm JTL autocuts, a Junior hacksaw and a 42mm plastic pipe cutter, among others.

Work is also underway to introduce a more advanced toolkit for those entering at Level 3, which will include commissioning items.

Rob Moore, JTL’s business development manager for the Mechanical Engineering Services sector, said: “There are often many perceived barriers for small companies in recruiting apprentices. These include grants, tooling, health and safety matters, college fees and administrative burdens. In reality, partnering with JTL means that these concerns can be easily addressed and this partnership with Monument Tools provides an even greater incentive for plumbing and heating and ventilating employers.”

Monument Tools’ managing director, Jonathan Collier, added: “There is a clear unity of purpose between JTL and Monument in that both organisations have quality at the heart of their operations. With a strong heritage in the industry, we are delighted to be able to equip JTL’s MES apprentices with first-class products at an early stage in their career.”

The initiative was first trialled at the recent PHEX plumbing and heating exhibition at Wembley Stadium, where hundreds of plumbing employers showed a keen interest in the apprenticeship tooling offering.

JTL’s chief executive Denis Hird said: “There are inevitable start-up costs for employers recruiting new apprentices and we always want to help where we can. This arrangement will certainly help employers, and increases the logic for the industry to consider coming to JTL to discuss new-start training requirements and the timely achievement of valued qualifications.”

Employers looking to add to their teams should call JTL on 0800 0852 308 to find out more and to arrange a no-obligation discussion with a dedicated JTL training officer.