#komatsu #ukmfg #engineering #apprenticeships Komatsu UK has recruited eight new engineering apprentices at its manufacturing site in Birtley. After completing the first year of their training at college, the students are now on site gaining manufacturing experience. The company’s apprenticeship programme has been running for 25 years, and this year’s intake increases the number currently in training to 22.
HR manager Tracey Wilson said: "It is well known that the current economic climate has hindered young workers from gaining the necessary experience in trades in manufacturing, however, by maintaining a steady intake of apprentices, Komatsu is making an ongoing contribution to retaining important industry skills which both supports the regional manufacturing sector and the local economy.
“Currently, 7% of our workforce are apprentices. Many of them will remain with the company after their training.”
CBI North East director Sarah Green added: "I am delighted that Komatsu is continuing to invest in its workforce and, in particular, that it is using apprenticeships as a means to do this.
"We are acutely aware of the skills challenges that many businesses in the manufacturing and engineering sectors are facing, but supporting apprenticeships is a great was to tackle that whilst also providing invaluable opportunities for young people to make that big step into the world of work."