Member Article

Technical and Craft apprentices join Tyneside global OEM

CMR Group based in North Tyneside deliver global solutions to industrial OEMs and aftermarkets for several applications including switchboards, power management, electronic systems, industrial sensors, fuel systems and wiring harnesses.

In Spring 2014, CMR decided to explore the apprenticeship route as an alternative method of recruiting engineering staff. Having met with Tyne North Training, CMR identified that there was a business need for two Technical apprentices based within the Projects and Quality Department.

After a recruitment process which included thorough testing, assessment and interviews, Tyne North Training shortlisted a number of high quality applicants for interview. After CMR had completed their recruitment process, two technical apprentices were identified, Thomas Young and Joseph Smiles.

Due to the high quality of candidates, CMR created an additional apprenticeship position for Aaron Farrar who has secured a craft apprenticeship within the electrical assembly department.

John Hopper; TNT Training Officer who recruited Thomas, Joseph and Aaron is excited about the future for the young apprentices. “It is great to see engineering companies recruiting apprentices not only to support traditional activities such as electrical assembly but also for those roles which are not always seen as a traditional apprenticeship pathway. Design, project engineering and quality are fast becoming one of those areas within companies where apprentices are becoming more and more relevant”. John also added “The Technical apprenticeship really is giving school leavers an alternative route to professional engineering rather than the traditional A Level / University option.”

All three apprentices started in September and have just finished their 18 week workshop activities in college. In February 2015, they will go into the workplace attending college on a day release to complete their BTEC Level 3 qualification. CMR have already indicated that progression onto an HNC is a route they want their apprentices to follow.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tyne North Training Limited .