Draeger Safety UK continues to invest in local talent
Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 45, Issue 2
Draeger Safety UK Ltd continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing local talent by investing in apprenticeships for young people in north-east England.
The company, based in Blyth, Northumberland, has been recruiting apprentices for more than ten years, offering experience in all areas of the business and investing in training outside the standard requirements of an apprenticeship framework.
The apprentices, who are provided by the North East Chamber of Commerce, are given the opportunity to work in areas including operations, manufacturing,engineering, fire and gas systems, supply-chain management, logistics,human-resource management, site facilities and purchasing.
As well as on-the-job training, apprentices get the chance to gain additional nationally recognized qualifications such as the Higher National Certificate(HNC) in mechanical or electronic engineering, Institute of Management certificates and diplomas, and degrees.
Allan Nesbitt, training officer, said: “As a large employer in the region we have a responsibility not only to grow our business, but also to develop and cultivate talent and skills. This has a positive impact on the local communities and helps us to drive the economy, particularly in the current business climate.
“The young people who come through the doors here at Draeger are our future workforce, so it is vital that we give them the start they need and a solid platform to build upon.
“Since completing their apprenticeships, a number of the young people have gone on to higher education and are currently enjoying successful careers in the business. Some of our key members of staff began their Draeger careers as apprentices.
“We will continue to invest in our current and future workforce through apprenticeships, training and placements and would encourage other employers to consider apprenticeship opportunities in their businesses.”
Michael Watts, aged 20, from Blyth, said: “The opportunity has been amazing. I was able to get an apprenticeship in an international company in the department I was interested in – electrical engineering.
“Coming to Draeger has also enabled me to further my knowledge by giving me the chance of completing a college course which is equivalent to the first year of a degree (HNC level). Gaining my apprenticeship was a massive opportunity for me as there were very few jobs out there coming straight out of school. To be offered a job, learn at college and be paid for something I enjoyed doing were huge for a 16-year-old.
“Some of my friends were not as lucky, as they were applying for apprenticeships whenever they could and were never accepted. It seems to have been quite hard to secure an apprenticeship in the region, but Draeger has given me and a number of others here a fantastic chance to develop a career. The set-up is clear and there has been a constant intake of apprentices since I started a few years ago.
“I hope to carry on working at Draeger as there is always the possibility to better yourself either through promotions or through ongoing learning.”
The North-East Chamber of Commerce chief executive, James Ramsbotham, said:“It is fantastic to see Draeger Safety UK reaping the benefits of its commitment to developing young people through apprenticeships. They are an ideal way of addressing key business needs and recruiting and developing a highly-skilled workforce that can be molded to meet a company’s individual needs. They bring considerable value to employers, individuals and the economy as a whole.”
Draeger operates in the fields of medical and safety technology. The Draeger Group is present in more than 190 countries and has about 12,000 employees.
