An apprentice training with technical plastics recycler, Luxus, has been tasked with managing a company trade mission to India, providing resounding proof of the valuable resource apprenticeships can provide SME companies and the opportunities they open up to young people.
Alex Clarke, a senior graduate apprentice with independent technical plastics recycler Luxus, has been tasked with managing the company’s presence at the British Plastics Federation’s (BPF) trade mission to India next month.
The mission represents an important business opportunity for Luxus as it looks to establish partnerships to support market expansion. In particular Luxus is searching for alignment with a plastics compounder in order to break open new automotive opportunities.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has supported Mr Clarke in researching potential business and the competitive environment for Luxus in India and so far six potential partners have been identified.
Pete Atterby, managing director at Luxus, said: “It‘s vital that we give our apprentices the best opportunity for success, as we rely on their talent for the future of the business. That’s why we have chosen Alex to project manage this important joint venture project.”
Emphasizing the importance of Clarke’s trade mission Mr Atterby said: “India has benefitted from unprecedented growth recently with demand for polymers rising sharply, largely fuelled by its automotive industry. We believe that outside Europe, India offers a key market for our expanding export business.”
Coming in advance of National Apprenticeship Week, which is due to run from February 6-10, the responsibility being given to Clarke has been praised as a timely demonstration of the exciting career opportunities apprenticeships can offer in a time of high youth unemployment. Clarke is set to join the management team at Luxus when he completes his training.
Commenting on his latest responsibility and his career propects Clarke said: Alex Clarke, Luxus, said: “I’m looking forward to meeting potential businesses first hand to see how best we can capitalise on this trip. Luxus has provided a great start to my career in the plastics industry. Being involved in key strategic decisions for the business offers both demanding and exciting opportunities.”
Martin Fahy, UK Trade & Investment, clarified the quality of additional resource Clarke is adding to his employer, commenting: “He’s been overseeing the entire trip, from testing factory samples to arranging the logistics and itinerary for the week itself. He is always professional, hard working and has the necessary technical expertise to ensure this trip will be a success.”
Luxus is a keen supporter of apprenticeship for both graduate and non-graduates. It is looking to take on at least two more apprentices in 2012 which will be given the opportunity to train at Luxus’ internal training academy.”
For further information on The Luxus Academy please visit www.luxus.co.uk.
