Southport-based Lattimer (www.lattimer.com), which makes more than 20,000 components for the glass container manufacturing sector world-wide and exports 96% of its sales, has recruited three new apprentices to its in-house training academy; they will now undertake a four-year training programme while studying at Southport College.

Managing director Mark Hailwood said that this marks another milestone for the firm’s training academy, which was set up in 2010 and is currently training 10 apprentices.

Around 25% of Lattimer’s current workforce was recruited through the internal apprenticeship programme.

Mr Hailwood said: “In the next year, our apprentices will have a thorough introduction to engineering processes — both academic and practical.

"They will spend four days a week at Southport College and one day a week at Lattimer for practical hands-on training, for a total of 26 weeks.

“They will be trained in a multitude of engineering disciplines — including manual milling, centre lathe turning and grinding — and they will learn about tool making, which will include fixture design and manufacturing, before moving
into the main workshop.

"Another key responsibility will be learning about health and safety, which is of paramount importance to our industry.

“Our training academy plays a fundamental role in our business, helping to source and nurture local engineering talent for the future. Our new intake helps to illustrate Lattimer’s ethos for developing talent.

"We are passionate about unearthing new engineers who will drive our business for future generations. The majority of our workforce has risen through apprenticeships or internal training, and we see this as a fundamental part of our business model.”