Bracknell's Campbell West praised by local MP ahead of National Apprenticeship Week

Bracknell-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) firm Campbell West has been praised by local MP James Sunderland, who described the company as "going places" and committed to investing in young apprentices to help it grow.

Mr Sunderland visited the company's HQ at Richmond House in Oldbury ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, which begins on Monday (February 5).

READ MORE: Berkshire's Campbell West urges government to focus on schools to promote apprenticeships

There he met the company's owners and founders Steven Campbell and Daniel West along with staff and the firm's newest apprentices Jace Heath and Liam Seymour.

"The sky's definitely the limit for Campbell West which is a company that is really going places," said the MP.

"Having been launched by two former apprentice plumbers, Campbell West’s journey is truly inspirational success, and the owners are great role models who are doing themselves and Bracknell proud."

Mr Sunderland added that the firm's investment in "young, up-and-coming apprentices" will be key to its growth and that the company was a "perfect example of everything that we should be aspiring to right across the UK".

"It's young company with relatively young leadership, it's growing and employing local people as it progresses and so these are exciting times for everyone in the company.

"They are onto something special with a business that is wholly scalable which is why it has huge potential."

Campbell and West both left school at the age of 16 to embark on plumbing apprenticeships and founded the firms in 2017, which is now worth £10 million and employs 45 staff.

In November last year, the pair welcomed the Chancellor's announcement about boosting apprenticeship training but urged the government to do more to promote the message in schools.

"We know from personal experience that a good apprenticeship can be a ticket for a bright future for young people" West had said.

"If the Government wants to get bang for its buck, then it needs to focus on guidance for 15 and 16-year-olds so they’re more aware of what apprenticeship can offer so they don’t waste their time on inappropriate courses," he had added.

Following the recent visit from Mr Sunderland, Campbell said: "It was great to welcome our local MP to our offices and he showed a genuine interest and enthusiasm for everything we do, especially our commitment to growth and apprenticeships.

"More needs to be done to raise awareness of the benefits of in-house training at businesses like Campbell West as apprentices are key to our growth so we have the skills to match rising demand from our customers."

Campbell West designs, installs and maintains mechanical and electrical systems, such as heating and cooling, plumbing, ventilation, lighting, fire and security.

Initially focused on healthcare, it has expanded into other industries, including local government, education, data centres and large residential projects.

Last year, it launched a new electrical arm in response to client demand for an integrated approach to building services work.

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