WORLD-BEATING heavy engineering company DavyMarkham has unveiled plans for a fifth of the shop floor to be apprentices within two years.
The firm recruited seven apprentices last autumn, after re-introducing apprenticeships, following a 20 year break.
Now, it is looking for more school leavers to join its three to four year training programme and forecasting that one in five of its shop floor workers will be apprentices by 2010.
Managing director Kevin Parkin said: "For many years the company used to run its own highly-acclaimed apprenticeship scheme, but it was discontinued in the mid-80's as non-essential, which, looking back, was clearly a mistake. Now, we have started building for the future."
"If the first intake is any guide, these apprentices will bring more usable skills to the company than many degree-trained graduates, who still have to grasp the practical aspects of manufacturing.
"What's more, if they choose, our apprentices can study to degree level at a later stage, as five of our current employees have already done, but without a huge debt around their necks."
DavyMarkham's initiative has won the praises of Doug Patterson, regional officer of Unite the Union's Amicus section.
"We're delighted that Kevin and his team have returned to traditional apprenticeships," said Mr Patterson. "They equip young people with good, transferable skills and are the best way to prepare them for the world of work."
DavyMarkham's training programme is being managed by MetSkill, the Sheffield-based strategic skills body for the metals industry, and includes external training by Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and the Strategic Training Partnership.
DavyMarkham works manager Chris Bowler, who began his own apprenticeship at the firm's Prince of Wales Road site 27 years ago, praised MetSkill for its performance and enthusiasm.
"Our first batch of apprentices has returned from intensive off-site training and are now being mentored by our skilled craftsmen," added Mr Bowler.
Kevin Parkin says the firm is delighted with the attitude and accomplishments of its first batch of apprentices.
"We've had only one absence in 12 months and even then a parent phoned me personally to apologise," said Mr Parkin, who arranged an open evening for parents of DavyMarkham's current apprentices and presented them with framed photographs of the first intake to foster family involvement.
"We're now recruiting our next batch and if they prove equally as good, we'll be very happy," Mr Parkin added.
Any one interested in finding out about DavyMarkham's apprenticeship schem should contact MetSkillby calling 0114 244 6833 or email enquiries@metskill.co.uk.
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