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Record High Apprentice Intake Repeated
In 2011 HepcoMotion® engaged its highest number of apprentices since 1998. And this year that figure will not only be matched but also the intake will make provision for the development of young engineering talent for more academically demanding roles within the company.
This is a clear indication that HepcoMotion® is investing in workforce skills as well as capital purchases to underpin the impressive business growth it recorded at the end of last year. Indeed 2011 was the company’s best ever trading year in its 43 year history and the trend continues.
The urgent need for high calibre talent within its R&D department has prompted linear motion manufacturer, HepcoMotion®, to engage two higher- as well as four advanced apprentices. Both levels combine academic study with practical training in the workplace but whilst the advanced apprentices typically study for a B/TECH National Diploma, the higher apprentices start at Foundation Degree level.
“Studying engineering to degree level within the context of an apprenticeship produces a uniquely capable individual that cannot be easily found by other means,” explained HepcoMotion®’s Training Manager, Bob Gregory.
He continued: “At all apprentice levels we seek those with good problem solving skills and enthusiasm for all things mechanical. With our higher apprentices we look for these attributes to be more self-evident and clearly defined.”
Clearly HepcoMotion®’s method of selection has proved immensely successful as in the last four years all but one of its newly qualified apprentices has remained with the company. Indeed ex-apprentices have swollen the ranks in technical sales, quality control and project engineering.
As in previous years, HepcoMotion® will work in partnership with Brunel and Gordano Training which now operates under the auspices of City of Bristol College. Although the higher apprenticeship scheme will satisfy HepcoMotion®’s immediate need for higher calibre apprentices it is hoped that those on the advanced scheme will ultimately take the opportunity to extend their studies on completion of their initial qualification.
“Developing our own graduates in this way has certainly proved extremely successful in the past,” concluded Bob Gregory. “We have sponsored advanced apprentices through HNC, HND, Foundation Degree and Honours Degree. It all depends on the aspirations and abilities of the individual but the key benefit for HepcoMotion® is that the apprentice matures within the culture of our company.”
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