Published at 11:30, Monday, 24 September 2012

TRAINING organisation GEN II is welcoming its largest ever apprentice intake with over 260 local people starting their apprenticeship there before the end of September.

This represents a further 10 per cent increase on the record number of apprentices realised last year.

GEN II has almost 900 apprentices currently in learning. Although the company could train many more students, GEN II typically recruits apprentices to match employer apprentice vacancies, which results in around 98 per cent of its apprentices, who complete their apprenticeship, moving straight into full-time employment.

This training model is unique in the county and has resulted in over 2,000 Cumbrian students moving straight into employment after completing their apprenticeship during GEN II’s 12 years of operation.

Mike Smith, chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome our largest ever apprentice intake.

“The increase in apprentice numbers clearly demonstrates the growing confidence in engineering and manufacturing in the area.

“The quality of people applying this year has once again been high. Applicants welcome the opportunity to earn a wage whilst gaining qualifications and real work experience. As an Ofsted Grade 1 provider, we can offer some of the highest quality apprenticeships in the country.”

As in previous years, GEN II has continued to attract a high proportion of female engineering students. In the Energus centre based at Lillyhall, 17 per cent of the students are females, compared to a national average of just three.

Popular apprenticeships this year include electrical and instrumentation, mechanical engineering, scientific, nuclear worker, business administration and customer service.

Once again, GEN II has welcomed new apprentice employers, including well known local companies such as the Derwent Pencil Company, O’Connor Fencing, Miami Lights, Hydro Enfield and Westport Engineering.

Paul Storey, GEN II’s chief operating officer, said: “More employers are starting to realise the benefits that high quality apprentices can bring.

“Most companies face the problem of an aging workforce and apprentices provide an ideal opportunity to ‘grow your own’ with the expectations, behaviours and high standards of health and safety required for today’s industries.

“Cumbrian employers, including our partner organisations, Sellafield Ltd, Tata Steel, Amec, Innovia Films and Iggesund Paperboard continue to invest in apprenticeships to ensure that we develop and retain the necessary skills for the future which will contribute to the economic good of the area.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk