Yamazaki Mazak UK is on the lookout for a record 25 new apprentices to join the company in 2015, marking 25 years of its apprenticeship programme in the UK.
All the positions will be based at its European headquarters and manufacturing facility in Worcester, which is one of the most advanced in Europe and currently produces around 100 machine tools a month. The apprenticeships are open to anyone aged between 16 and 22.
Dave Barnett, learning and development manager at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “With the resurgence of the UK’s manufacturing industry, combined with the changing landscape of the traditional degree-based education system due to higher tuition fees, apprenticeships now present a fantastic avenue for students to get into the engineering industry.
“Our Mazak apprenticeship programme aims to provide a thorough grounding – both practical and academic – in engineering principals, before helping the students hone and develop their skills over the course of the programme.”
Mazak’s varied and comprehensive training programme combines practical hands-on learning with college-based further education. The first year comprises of practical off-the-job training with local training provider, Worcestershire Group Training Association (WGTA), to develop basic engineering skills with attendance at technical college which contributes towards a BTEC National Diploma or City & Guilds 2850.
Over the following two or three years apprentices progress through a variety of different departments across the site, and will be gradually introduced to Mazak’s product range to hone their skills. This time will also be supported with further time in college and completion of NVQ Level 3.
Recently, Mazak won ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year – Large Business’ at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship awards. In addition, a third year apprentice, Alex Stockwell, won ‘Best Overall Craft Apprentice’ at the WGTA Annual Awards ceremony.
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Mr Barnett continues: “This fresh intake will see the number of apprentices currently receiving training at Mazak rise to 64. We are looking for people who are self-motivated and enthusiastic about a career in engineering. We have successfully trained over 200 apprentices, with many remaining with Mazak for their entire career. Interest for these positions will be high and I would urge all potential apprentices to get their applications in now.”
Those interested in applying can download and complete the application form which can be found on the Mazak Europe website. Applications close on the 31st March.
