Kidderminster-based Amada UK (
www.amada.co.uk) has been named ‘Large Employer of the Year 2017’ (sponsored by Sanctuary Group) at the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards.
This award is seen as recognition for the company’s highly successful apprenticeship programme, which has been in place since 2006; it currently employs 17 apprentices — mostly in engineering, but also in accountancy and business administration schemes.
Amada currently offers a Level 3 Advanced Technical Engineering programme that takes four years to complete. Apprentices combine rotation around the various engineering departments at Amada UK with working towards qualifications that include an Amada NVQ level 3 and, ultimately, an HNC in Mechanical Engineering.
Accountancy apprentices study the AAT qualification. During their time in each department, apprentices are allocated a mentor, who ensures that training is delivered in line with the programme.
Jack Cleaver, who is in his third year and is Amada UK’s current Apprentice of the Year, says: “Amada’s apprenticeship is beneficial from day one. The on-the-job training is unparalleled, and the responsibility we are given is as if we’re already qualified.”
Amada’s managing director, Alan Parrott,is a strong advocate of the scheme, confirming that it helps to drive internal promotion and recruitment and that 97% of the company’s managerial positions are held by employees who have been promoted internally.
“Apprenticeships are the foundation of our corporate strategy to develop from within. They provide a unique four-year opportunity to understand the philosophy of our customer-focused business. I can really imagine one of these apprentices taking my role in the future.”
Since 2012, the main focus of apprentice training has been in the department where used Amada machines are refurbished. Each apprentice is assigned a project that involves stripping a machine, replacing worn parts, cleaning, spraying, re-assembling and testing. At the end of the project, apprentices even help to install the machine at the new owner’s premises.”