Member Article

Global pharma manufacturer supports North East apprentices

North-East-based pharmaceutical development and manufacturing firm, Sterling Pharma Solutions, is hosting an event at its site in Dudley, Cramlington to celebrate the success of its apprenticeship programme during National Apprenticeship Week.

On Friday 10th March, Sterling will welcome Alan Campbell MP for Tynemouth, Stan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer for North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) and George Ritchie MBE, Chair of the North-East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (NEAAN) to the site, along with representatives from the apprenticeship colleges and training providers in the area.

Sterling Pharma Solutions currently employs 13 apprentices at its facility in Dudley with 3 more scheduled to start later this month. There are also over 30 members of staff currently upskilling through apprenticeship frameworks. The event will showcase the success of past and present apprentices, as well as marking Sterling’s ongoing commitment to training new talent in the region.

Kevin Cook, CEO at Sterling Pharma Solutions said: “At Sterling we really value the importance of apprenticeships and we’re committed to creating a ladder of opportunity for those who start their careers here.

“We offer extensive training and hands on experience that you just can’t get in a classroom, as well as pairing our apprentices with experienced mentors to help them take the steps to success and fast-track their careers.”

Sterling’s dedication to training and upskilling its staff through NVQs, apprenticeship frameworks and personal and professional development was rewarded this year as part of The Derwentside College Annual Achievement Awards.

John Wiper, HR and operations director at Sterling started his career as an engineering apprentice at the site 37 years ago, he said: “I can personally vouch for the benefits of apprenticeships for individuals and I have seen first-hand the positive impact they can have on businesses and the wider economy.

“My own career started at the Sterling site and I’ve never looked back. There are so many opportunities for apprentices to progress here, it’s great to see a company that’s so committed to training the next generation.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week which is designed to bring together employers and apprentices across the country, demonstrate success and encourage more people to undertake apprenticeships to reach their career goals.

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service said: “National Apprenticeship Week is an important date in the calendar as the week brings to the forefront of everyone’s minds the importance of helping to get more people to consider becoming an apprentice, whilst we celebrate the success apprenticeships bring to business.”

Among the organisations attending the event at Sterling Pharma Solutions are; Newcastle College, Tyne Metropolitan College, Derwentside College, TDR Training, Kaplan, Northern Skills Group, NEPIC and Cogent Skills.

For more information about Sterling Pharma Solutions please visit http://www.sterlingpharmasolutions.com/.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kate Hindhaugh .