Hydram at Chilton has been actively recruiting apprentices for several years and now has its own accredited training centre.
Over the last two years, Hydram has formalised its training, developing fixed training plans and progression routes for all apprentices. Having worked closely with local colleges which supplied candidates and delivered training, the company decided to bring the whole process in house.
Hydram is now able to deliver up to NVQ Level 3 with the backing of EAL, one of the leading awarding bodies for manufacturing and technical qualifications. Working with a partner company, Habit Training, a programme has been designed which meets the needs of the business.
Apprentices gain not only the technical knowledge which is delivered onsite by members of Hydram’s management team, but also the necessary practical skills on the latest production machinery: CNC laser cutting machines, punching machines, pressbrakes, milling machines and the newly-commissioned £1m paint andassembly facilities.
Operations Manager Stephen Beacham is well aware of the benefits of apprenticeships. “There is a real need in the region and within our business to ensure we have good quality young people coming through to become the engineers, managers and technicians of the future. To do this we needed to ensure we attracted young school leavers into the business who had a keen interest in engineering or manufacturing,” Stephen said.
It is hoped in the first instance that the training centre will provide Hydram with engineers who possess the skills and knowledge to keep the business at the forefront of UK sheet metalworking. The longer-term strategy sees Hydram offering these services to other SMEs in the local area with the potential to offer qualifications nationally through online-based portfolios. Hydram is continuing its apprentice recruitment programme and candidates are now being invited to apply for this year’s September intake. Anyone interested can log onto www.hydram.co.uk for more information and an application form.
