BROADHEATH-based Cartwright is calling on school leavers to join its award winning apprenticeship programme to support the company’s continued expansion.

It is the second time this year that the leading body and trailer manufacturer has opened its doors in its bid to further expand its team of apprentices following its intake of 16 apprentices in September.

Launched in 2012, Cartwright’s apprenticeship programme has not only been praised by the industry, with the company winning the prestigious Motor Transport Apprenticeship of the Year Award in July this year, it has also won the UK Insider Award.

More recently it has been named highly commended in the National Apprenticeship Awards.

And it is to this award winning programme that Cartwright is now inviting 16 – 19 year olds to apply and join the existing team of apprentices already on site.

Recognised as one of the most advanced apprenticeships in the industry, the programme is tailored specifically to Cartwright’s specific requirements.

It is designed to encourage school and college leavers to develop a range of both work based and social skills, work in a team and lay the necessary foundations for their future career in engineering.

During the programme apprentices will learn the whole build process and develop a comprehensive set of skills before selecting an area in which to specialise. As part of the programme, apprentices will go to college on a block release basis at the Stockport Engineering Training Association (SETA) to gain the necessary experience in workshop training to assist in achieving the required standards for the Level 2 apprenticeship.

They are mentored on the shop-floor under a 'buddy' system where they will work with a skilled tradesman, learning from his experience while developing engineering and manufacturing skills.

Mark Cartwright, group managing director of the Cartwright Group, said: “We are passionate about our apprenticeship programme and it has been particularly heart-warming to see our first year’s intake completing their apprenticeship and formally joining the workforce.

“We take great pride in the fact that our apprenticeship programme provides our young apprentices with the necessary skills to pursue a career in engineering. We are delighted to be in a position to launch a second recruitment drive this year and we look forward to welcoming our new apprentices to the Cartwright family.”

To find out more about Cartwright and its apprenticeship scheme log on to www.cartwright-group.co.uk/apprenticeships