National Apprenticeship Week (14-18 March) is celebrating the many products and services which are ‘Made by Apprentices’ and how apprentices can ‘Rise to the Top’.
In Worcestershire, there are many companies who offer excellent apprenticeship programmes, which make a range of goods and services, as well as companies who have seen their apprentices rise through their organisation.
Worcester, Bosch Group, has employed apprentices since it formed in 1962, and many of the current members of the board of directors started their careers through this route. Worcester’s CEO, Carl Arntzen, believes wholeheartedly in the benefits of developing employees through such schemes to give solid workplace and business experience, as well as providing the opportunity to acquire key skills across a wide range of departments.
The manufacturing company currently employs 72 apprentices and has recently seen a number of its apprentices recognised at a regional training association awards. The Hereford and Worcester Group Training Association Awards saw four Worcester Bosch apprentices each receive a coveted ‘Apprentice of the Year’ trophy.
Beating other high calibre candidates from across the region, the four successful apprentices work in roles across the leading heating and hot water manufacturer’s business, from machining and making master samples to engineering and marketing. Bosch’s award winning apprentices included Hannah Philpotts – Personal Development Award, Samuel Sargeant – Engineering Endeavour Award, Joshua Smith – First Year Apprentice of the Year Award and Paige Boland – Post First Year Technician Apprentice of the Year Award.
This week, Worcestershire’s apprentices, alongside their employers and training providers, are also being encouraged to celebrate the contributions that apprentices make to their workplace as well as the excellent products and services provided locally. Apprentices and their employers can Tweet a picture or video of themselves with items they have made or services they have provided with the hashtag #MadeByApprentices or #NAW2016 to join the national conversations. #WorcsApprentice should also be added for messages of support for apprenticeships within the County.
Carl Arntzen, Worcester, Bosch Group’s CEO said: “Worcester fully supports Apprenticeship Week as it is a great opportunity for local businesses to find out more about the benefits hiring apprentices can offer.
“At Worcester, we very much believe in growing young talent to create the next generation of engineers, production managers, tool machinists, marketeers and sales men and women and it is testament to our apprentices enthusiasm, aptitude and business acumen that they have recently received regional apprenticeship awards.”
National Apprenticeship Week has drawn support from many local organisations including Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
All details about Worcestershire Apprenticeships and local activities during Apprenticeship Week are available at www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk