MP sees benefits of apprenticeships during plastics visit

Specialist plastics and rubber engineering company, Rediweld, has highlighted the benefits of apprenticeships to its business during National Apprenticeship Week (14-18 March).

The Alton-based company received a visit from local MP, Damian Hinds, as well as Councillor Nick Drew from East Hampshire District Council, which provides the funding for Rediweld’s apprentice.   

“As a technical moulder, supplying the aerospace sector with plastic and rubber parts, the success of Rediweld relies on the skills of its workforce. An apprenticeship develops these vital skills in the next generation,” explained Roger Marsh, Managing Director of Rediweld.

The company’s apprentice, Kieran Wilding, has been working for Rediweld since August 2014. He has been undertaking hands-on learning about the different engineering processes whilst studying for an Engineering Foundation Degree at the local college.

“EHDC’s apprenticeship scheme has made it much easier to take on Kieran as an apprentice and to put him through the qualifications we wanted,” continued Marsh.

Damian Hinds MP said apprenticeship schemes such as East Hampshire District Council’s were a key part of the country’s long-term economic plan.

“East Hampshire District Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme is an innovative and practical way to help businesses and young people in the area,” he said. “Our visit to Rediweld and our meeting with Kieran really brought home how the scheme works in practice.”

Commenting on his experience as an apprentice, Kieran Wilding said: “This apprenticeship is giving me a really wide range of experiences. I have been working in a variety of areas around the business, which has given me a broad grounding in the basics of engineering.

“I am working towards a degree-level qualification at Alton College but every day I am always learning from the experiences and knowledge of the rest of the team. You don’t get that sort of experience in the classroom.

“And all the time I am learning, I’m also earning a wage. It’s a great way to start a career.”