FOUR new recruits have joined the apprenticeship programme at a Leeds manufacturing firm, which specialises in GRP products for the utilities, construction, retail and leisure sectors.
MPM Ltd, run by brothers Ben and Dylan Wilson and based in Bramley, has taken on the four apprentices as part of its investment in the next generation and plans for continued growth of the business.
Keiran Parratt, Humair Khan, Jake Ewen and Jake Clark (pictured) will complete a programme of on-the-job training for the Lean Manufacturing Operative Diploma at Level 2. The programme lasts 12-14 months, and will be delivered by TRS Training Limited, the accredited training provider.
Delivery of the programme will be monitored by MPM’s HR and ISO advisor, Paul Williams, who stated that:
“We aim to give our apprentices a solid understanding of MPM’s culture, values, and methods of operation, along with competence in lean manufacturing techniques; focussing on high quality manufacture, personal effectiveness, and continuous business and personal development.
“Apprentices will gain a wide range of skills – and underpinning knowledge – necessary for the manufacture of GRP products to exacting standard. They will become competent in hand-lay; spray lay-up; and RTM production; as well product finishing and quality assurance. We will be utilising our own Training Manual, augmented by training material provided by TRS.”
MPM has invested heavily in apprenticeships as a means of bringing new blood into the organisation and developing its existing workforce.
Ben Wilson added: “Apprentices can bring a different dynamic and ideas, and although there can be challenges in supporting people into the world of work, once they pick up the basics they can work as well as any other team member.
“I think the funding support from the government is a great incentive and gives employers a bit more confidence around investment in training while helping balance cash flow.
“Given the current challenges, we feel that investing in apprenticeships is the right thing to do, as many youngsters may get overlooked in the current jobs market.”
