Dorset-based Norco (www.norco.co.uk) — a leading developer of lightweight composite structures and innovative GRP mouldings — has opened a new training centre in a purpose-built facility in Poole to provide hands-on training for new apprentices.

Having won several long-term contracts during the past year, Norco needed additional workers but a recruitment campaign proved that there was a lack of the necessary skills in the local area.

As a result, it has set up its own training centre to produce multi-skilled employees who can move around its five manufacturing facilities.

Managing director Mark Northey said: “Being on the south coast, we are in the heart of the UK marine industry, and we struggled to recruit capable people.

“This was a clear sign that we needed to capitalise on the skills already within the company and pass this knowledge on to enthusiastic people willing to learn.

"This is an excellent opportunity to train staff to the high standard that is necessary at Norco. The apprenticeships on offer will give people the chance to enter into the composites industry and have highly sought-after skills and qualifications for life.”

The apprentices will first be trained over a six-month period in the four types of work that are carried out at Norco – hand laminating, finishing, infusion and pre-preg.

Once this stage is complete, they will move onto the production shopfloor for a further 30 months of training.

Norco plans to recruit four apprentices every six months, with its next intake due in July.