NPS North West continues to grow with three new apprentices

As part of its continuing growth NPS North West, has recruited three new apprentices across its electrical, mechanical and admin teams.

This year has seen the launch of the apprentice programme where the company will be looking to bring in a total of 17 new apprentices across the group within a range of disciplines.

The programme uses the apprenticeship levy to fund these and NPS has also been able to redirect some of the levy to develop our existing employees.

Paul Jones, operations director, NPS North West, said: “Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly common way to work, whilst also learning on the job. Having completed a modern apprenticeship myself, I know both the challenges and rewards of workplace learning.

"We are always looking for future talent and see it as a great way for young people to be able to grow and develop along the way and giving them the opportunity to learn new skills. We recognise the need to build up a skills base internally in order to address the skills shortage, by taking on young people from apprentices to graduates it gives them a hand on experience whilst learning a profession.

"Our apprentices benefit from extensive training, real life work experience and the chance to study for a recognised qualification. Working closely with Wigan & Leigh College we have utilised our allowance available as a result of the Apprenticeship Levy to fund such training and the results have already proven to be of benefit.”

Laura Massam, business administration apprentice, said: “I previously worked as an optical advisor, and although I really enjoyed it, I felt that I had exhausted all avenues available to me. I decided I wanted a new career, something that I could really get involved with whilst being able to progress and develop professionally.

"However, I felt that I lacked the adequate skills for most roles I was looking at. I looked into apprenticeships and found that they would allow me to continue working whilst gaining the skills, knowledge and experience I need in this new career path. I am currently a Business Administration Apprentice at NPS North West and I am really excited to see where I can progress to in the future.”

Jack Bithell-Unsworth, apprentice heating engineer, NPS Infinity, said: “I wanted to get an apprenticeship as I am enthusiastic to learn and thought gaining a trade was the best option for me. This job gives me the chance to learn while working and gain experience from a young age in the industry." Jack Williamson, electrician apprentice, said: “I wanted this apprenticeship because I wanted to learn all the skills required to become the best at my trade whilst also gaining a qualification and getting paid for something I enjoy doing.”