First apprentice in 17 years joins Blackburn-based moulder

A Blackburn-based plastic injection moulding company has taken on its first apprentice in 17 years as it looks to futureproof its growth plans.

MGS Technical Plastics has recruited 22-year-old Liam Kent, who is studying towards a BTEC National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.

"Apprenticeships have played an important role in our company since we began trading in 1974, and now felt like the right time to reintroduce the scheme as part of our growth plans,” commented John Sturgess, MGS’ Director.

"We have always dedicated time and resources to training our employees, and with Liam's recruitment we have an individual who can learn the skills and become a valuable member of our team for many years to come."

Kent has been assigned an industry veteran who will act as his mentor as he learns about the industry and the specialist work carried out by MGS.

The programme, undertaken in partnership with Training 2000, is slated to last four years - although Kent has plans to graduate early.

"I have found what I want to be doing and I'm very happy to be given this opportunity by MGS," he explained.

“After leaving school I became a trainee accountant, but quickly realised that it wasn't for me. My father is a building contractor, so I began working with him and that's when I knew that I wanted to learn a trade."

He added: "I'm really enjoying the work. I love getting hands on and doing investigative work, then there's the maintenance to keep machines working at their best, or fixing a machine that's down. It's all been a fantastic experience so far."

In addition to Kent’s recruitment, MGS has also extended its marketing operation with the appointment of Samantha Taylor as Head of Sales and Marketing. The company now employs over 45 people.