Engineering firm begins search for apprentices
By Andrew Merrell | 13th March 2019
An engineering firm from Gloucestershire has opened the doors to its apprenticeship scheme to new recruits.
TBS is on the lookout for four new school-leavers to join its successful four-year programme, which it described as "a direct route into a rewarding engineering career".
The Gloucester Business Park-based firm launched its county engineering apprenticeship five years ago in a bid help more young people get into the sector.
Viv Empson is group director, finance, culture and people at TBS, which makes the machines used by its customers all over the world to make lead-based batteries for the biggest names in automotive engineering like BMW, and VW.
Mrs Empson said: "We think it's important to show the next generation that manufacturing, and engineering are growing innovative industries, they can be a part of.
"It's something we're incredibly proud of. This industry is thriving, and it's full of jobs for problem solvers and hands-on people."
Apprentices work in different areas of the business to learn a range of skills and start to identify where they want to be in the future.
The first year is based largely at Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET), gaining a dual-skilled technical qualification (mechanical and electrical), picking up workplace experience in the college holidays.
From the second year the balance shifts, with one day a week at GET, and the rest of the working week in the factory.
By the end of the fourth year, apprentices have not only completed the Level 3 Diploma in Advance Manufacturing Engineering, but also become valued members of the team.
Jordan Williams is currently in his first year on the scheme: "If you want to do something hands-on, an apprenticeship is the quickest way to gain skills and experience. Some apprenticeships now give you the same qualifications you would get by going to university, so it's a good alternative.
"TBS is a really nice place to work. I'm really enjoying the variety and moving round different parts of the factory, mainly in the machine shop and fitting and tooling. But coming up, I'm in design for three months."
Four apprentices have now completed the course with a further six at various stages of the process.
"TBS can already feel the benefit," said Mrs Empson. "We get fresh ideas and new perspectives, while our apprentices gain qualifications and practical skills in a supportive and structured environment.
"If you're in a very technical business that's essential. We love seeing our apprentices develop into fantastic employees with a strong view of their future with the Company. We're very proud of our apprentices."
Selection is now underway for apprentices to start the course this summer, with applications closing on March 31, 2019
To apply please send your CV with a covering letter addressed to Kathrin Beckerleg at careers@tbsengineering.co.uk or visit www.tbseng.co.uk/apprenticeships.
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