Following the completion of a three year Modern Apprentice Programme with the company, Ben Worrall, Rhys Edwards and Andy Thomas (who completed a dual apprenticeship in electrical and airframe) along with Tom Griffith (who completed an airframe apprenticeship) were presented with their certificates by Steve Fitz-Gerald, Chief Executive Officer of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, in recognition of their exceptional achievement and commitment.
The event, which was attended by the company’s executive management team, 213-strong Broughton workforce, parents and family of the apprentices, their National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Assessors and a representative from the Engineering Skills Council Body (SEMTA) underscores the importance the company bestows on its apprenticeship programme.
In congratulating the apprentices, Steve Fitz-Gerald said: “Today, we celebrate the excellent record of achievement of our four apprentices. They have excelled themselves and should feel very proud. The company has run an unbroken apprenticeship programme since the 1920’s and we recognize the value it brings in providing young people with the skills they need to develop and add value to the workplace. It is vital that we continue to provide opportunities for young people to get on in life.”
Over the course of their apprenticeship programme, Ben Worrall, Rhys Edwards and Andy Thomas achieved an NVQ Level 3 in Electrical and Airframe and Tom Griffith achieved a NVQ Level 3 in Airframe. Three of the students additionally achieved the accolade of being commended at the North West Aerospace Alliance Awards Finals in 2011/12.
In further good news, all four apprentices have secured permanent employment with the company at its Broughton facility (Ben, Tom and Andy are currently employed as Airframe Technicians and Rhys is employed as a Quality Assurance Engineer).
Marshall’s Broughton facility maintains a regular apprentice intake of up to three students per year from local colleges including Coleg Cambria – the College of North East Wales and was one of the first companies to introduce the Modern Apprentice Programme to the Aerospace Industry in 2003. An opportunity to gain practical experience on the job whilst in paid work, apprenticeships typically cover practical and theoretical engineering knowledge; electrical/mechanical skills; company systems; international regulations and health and safety. An increasing number of apprentices are continuing their academic studies to gain degrees in engineering with many having the potential to become top engineering professionals within the company.
Image (L-R): Ben Worrall, Rhys Edwards, Steve Fitz-Gerald - Chief Executive Officer of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, Tom Griffith and Andy Thomas.
www.marshalladg.com
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