Chemson plans for a stable future with new apprentices

Chemson, a global supplier of PVC stabilisers, is investing in future manufacturing skills with the appointment of seven new apprentices at its UK plant.

The apprentices will be based at Chemson’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Wallsend, North East England, where they will undergo an extensive four-year training programme in a variety of roles from maintenance and research to production and logistics planning.

As part of the apprenticeship programme, Chemson says the new recruits will receive a thorough grounding in critical manufacturing skills such as mechanical and electrical engineering, zero-harm safety culture and six-sigma quality manufacturing techniques.

All of the new apprentices are aged between 16 and 24 and, following the programme, will become fully qualified in their chosen career path.

James Dunlop, aged 20 from Gateshead, is one of those taken on by Chemson as a modern manufacturing process apprentice.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and, rather than going to university, I was keen to get onto an apprenticeship programme where I could earn money at the same time as learning a trade. When this opening with Chemson came up, I grabbed it as I know the company has ambitious plans to grow and that means lots of exciting career opportunities in the future.

“It’s a great company to work for. The training is really comprehensive as we work on live projects, alongside the seasoned professionals, to learn all the skills needed for the polymers and plastics industry. I’m going to be working in production for approximately 12 months and then I’m hoping to specialise in electrical engineering - which I’m really looking forward to.”

Paul Knowles, managing director of Chemson’s UK operation, said: “The manufacturing sector – and particularly polymers and plastics – requires very specific skills which can take years to develop. Chemson is strongly committed to nurturing raw talent from the ground-up but this is the first time we have had such a large intake of apprentices in one go. This significant cohort forms part of our larger long-term strategy for growth as we invest in skills for the future.

“All of the apprentices will be fully immersed in our business, getting invaluable on-the-job experience and industry training from day one. By building on these solid foundations we end up with a ready pool of skilled and competent personnel to help take the business forward.”