Supporting Our Apprentices

During 5 to 9 March, the Government runs National Apprenticeship Week to celebrate their Apprenticeship scheme. Now in its 11th year, the theme this week is to showcase how apprenticeships work for employers, partners, educators and training organisations.

Apprentices have become an invaluable part of MacLellan Rubber's business having employed five apprentices over the last five years; with three so far taken on as employees and valued members of the team.

Charley Yates completed a one year ICT and Business Administration apprenticeship in 2017/18. Charley obtained work experience in all areas of the business before focussing on order processing and accounts support. Additional training was undertaken on-site by Nova Training.

Charley said: "When I first started I wasn't very confident and was particularly self-conscious when answering the 'phone. However, during the year my confidence grew and I feel as though the apprenticeship scheme has helped me mature. I really enjoy working here and was delighted when they offered me a full time job in March."

Kyle Dandy is part way through a one year Warehouse & Storage apprenticeship. Kyle joined in December 2017 and also receives additional training on-site by Nova Training.

Kyle is responsible for assisting with packaging smaller parts orders, for example washers, and preparing large orders which are collected daily by couriers. He said: "I like being able to do lots of different activities rather than just one thing. I've learnt a lot in the short time I've been here and hopefully I'll be able to do a three day fork lift training course later in the year. It's a friendly place to work and I really enjoy it here."

Andrew Onions, director at MacLellan Rubber, said: "What I initially found surprising is that we learn as much from the apprentices as they do from us! Their fresh attitude to both life and work helps us in turn to maintain a fresh approach to our working practices and customer service. We wouldn't be the company we are without their input and we look forward to continuing to support the Apprenticeship scheme for many years to come."

#NAW2018 #Apprenticeships #WorkForMe #GetInGoFar