Over the last few years’ apprenticeships have had a complete change of image, now offering exciting opportunities to those seeking a high skilled career full of prospects.
The Government is already committed to increasing spending on apprenticeships over the year. In a speech at the Chemical Industries Association Annual Dinner, November 2009, Lord Mandelson commented:
"We will create a modern class of British technicians through 35,000 new advanced apprenticeships for 19-30 year olds, and many of these apprenticeships will be in the chemicals sector".
The chemical industry is just one of many sectors offering modern apprenticeships. Kayleigh Hynd left school, joined an apprenticeship scheme, and is now working as an Instrument/Electrical apprentice at INEOS in Grangemouth Scotland. She expresses the importance of apprenticeships and how they help open doors to a better future in the chemical industry.
"Apprenticeships are well promoted here at the company, so I heard about the programme from a friend of my mother’s who works here, I was immediately intrigued by the prospects of getting qualified whilst earning money".
"I had to ask myself do I go onto college and get qualified?', or "do I join an apprenticeship" she says. "I knew I wanted to start working and joining an apprenticeship allowed me to do both."
Kayleigh says she has no regrets about opting to work instead of studying for a degree. "I feel it's a lot better to be able to provide for myself and learn while getting paid, instead of learning while going into debt."
"For the first year its all classroom based. Then for the next two years its 4 days work based and 1 day at college. I/E apprentices also do two nights at college. For the last year it is all work based and it’s all paid"
"While working here I joined the Chemical Industries AssociationFuture Forum which is there to discuss, debate and engage with others on industry related issues that are critical to society’s needs. It’s a way for young people like me to learn more and also work towards improving the industry".
More and more employers are recognising that training people through an apprenticeship programme is the most competitive and efficient way for your business to grow stronger. The chemical and pharmacuetical businesses are just one example of a sector who are giving talented youngsters a lift up the career ladder through modern apprenticeships.
There’s a good range of Apprenticeships to choose from in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry like engineering, environmental protection, laboratory research, sales, marketing, health and safety, policy experts, accounts, electricians, if you have an analytical brain, good communication skills, enjoy the rewards of team work and are motivated to work in an industry that really makes a difference to everyone’s every day life.
Contact Name: Fiona Ferguson