Manufacturer praises apprentices that are “essential investment” to business

A Leeds-based glass reinforced composites manufacturer has praised its apprentices, saying that they are an “essential investment” to the business and paramount to its evolution.

MPM, which manufactures high-quality components and tooling to a wide range of industries, made the announcement in support of the 2016 National Apprenticeship Week (14-18 March).

“We strongly believe in apprenticeships as a way of building the skills of potential future employees, and we are always looking for young recruits who have energy, enthusiasm, commitment, a great work ethic, and an ability to work in a team,” explained Ben Wilson, Director at MPM.

The firm’s latest apprentice, 17-year-old Connor Dockerty, has been recruited via The Works Charity, an organisation that provides opportunities for young people through education, work experience and training.

Dockerty, who is studying for a qualification in PMO (Performing Manual Operations), started his role as a production operator/composite hand laminator in January this year.

He is working alongside Kyle Venables, who the company recruited through the ‘Talent Match’ scheme - which helps those between 16-24 who have a history, or are struggling to find work, get into work. Venables is now in his third year and said to be “thriving” under MPM’s guidance and leadership. 

In the past four years the manufacturing firm has boosted investment in its apprenticeship scheme and appointed a full time on-site adviser – Paul Williams, a former NVQ assessor - to ensure the youngsters get the support, training and development that they need to succeed.

The improved in-house scheme is proving to be of huge benefit to the company’s three apprentices, says MPM, who have found themselves with a chance to learn in a diverse business whilst achieving NVQ levels 2 and 3 in a range of courses. 

"So far, three members of our current team have completed apprenticeships and are now working in senior positions in the company. Moving forward we will continue to work with The Works Charity and plan to take on another five apprentices this year,” Wilson added.

MPM says growth plans and another 20 – 30 percent potential growth in 2016, means expansion plans for the business are already underway. These include plans to open up another 2,000 square feet of manufacturing space at its Pudsey-based site.