Heavy engineering specialist, DavyMarkham, has taken on the latest batch of specially selected school leavers to be part of its much sought after apprenticeship scheme.
Five Yorkshire teenagers who recently finished their GCSEs have swapped the classroom for DavyMarkham’s world-leading engineering facilities.
Selected from over 300 applicants, the Advanced Apprentices are now serving in the main workshops and studying towards vocational studies in engineering related subjects such as City and Guilds or B-Tech National Diplomas.
To be considered for a place on the competitive apprenticeship scheme a minimum of five GCSEs and a genuine passion to work in the heavy engineering sector are required.
Peter Kerfoot, apprentice training manager at DavyMarkham, said: "We have been running our popular apprenticeship scheme for four years and in that time we have taken on 25 school or college leavers.
"The successful applicants were chosen for their real aptitude, following a rigorous assessment day, one-to-one interview and a visit to the plant."
The new recruits are based at DavyMarkham’s Darnall facility, which is one of the most modern heavy engineering facilities in the world, with computer controlled machine tools and design facilities and the ability to handle complex components weighing up to 350 tonnes.
The apprenticeships, which cost the company £100,000 annually, last between three and four years depending on competence and commitment and the roles include mechanical and electrical maintenance, fabrication and welding, machine shop and production fitting.
Peter added: "DavyMarkham’s future depends on well trained and highly skilled people and a robust apprenticeship scheme is vital to the company’s ability to compete in an increasingly competitive international market.
"This new crop of motivated and talented young people is an essential investment for our continued success and these bright young individuals soon start to contribute and bring their own ideas to projects.
"Many of our previous apprentices have gone on to become highly valuable members of our team – proving the scheme is a great opportunity for young people in the area to pursue a rewarding career."
DavyMarkham has recently been recognised for its apprentice training standards after young engineer Jonathan Cheeseman, who was taken on in 2009, was awarded the prestigious Student of the Year Award at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.