Global engineering technologies company Renishaw is looking to recruit 50 apprentices — a record number — for its Gloucestershire and South Wales sites.

The company’s award-winning scheme sees apprentices gain nationally recognised qualifications (some up to degree level), alongside on-the-job experience.

Applications are open until Friday 9 March — the end of National Apprenticeship Week. The Gloucestershire-based technical and manufacturing apprenticeship scheme requires applicants to be qualified to GCSE level.

The successful applicants will commence an Advanced Apprenticeship by attending Gloucestershire Engineering Training, with most going on to HNC and HND studies.

For the South Wales apprenticeship scheme, applicants are required to be in the first year of an Engineering BTEC or EAL Level 3 and must have a PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) NVQ Level 2.

Study for the second year of their qualification will be at Bridgend College, with most apprentices undertaking an HNC- and an HND-level qualification. Apprentices then move onto rotating placements in different sections of the company. There is also the possibility of continued study towards a degree.

Renishaw also offers degree-level apprenticeships in software and embedded electronic systems design; this opportunity is open to young people who have completed their A Levels.

Embedded electronic systems design apprentices work towards a BEng (Hons) in Electronic and Computer Engineering (accredited by the University of the West of England), while software engineering apprentices study for a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions (in partnership with the University of Exeter).

For more information on apprenticeships at Renishaw and the application process, visit the Web site (www.renishaw.com/apprentice).