A leading supplier and service provider of forklift trucks has given young people the chance to find out how to launch a rewarding career in engineering.
Organised as part of National Apprenticeship Week (February 6 to February 10), Briggs Equipment held a special open evening at its headquarters in Cannock where visitors could find out about the company's Apprenticeship scheme. The evening also included a workshop to help them write their first CV.
The company's Operations Director, Gavin Wickham, himself a former apprentice, commented: "It was great to see pupils from local schools and colleges show a real interest in our Apprenticeship scheme. Young people are vital to the long-term future of any business and we are always looking for the next generation of talent."
Last year six apprentices at the company achieved their National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in Engineering by completing a four-year programme that includes a mix of hands-on practical work and classroom-based learning at college.
Some of Briggs' past apprentices were also on hand during the event to answer any questions visitors had and discuss the successes that they have achieved.
Dean Mansell, Engineering Standards Manager at Briggs commented: "After their three year Apprenticeship, our apprentices are posted to field or HQ engineering positions for a year. After this initial posting most are offered a permanent engineering role but other former apprentices are in sales, training or other supporting roles.
"We are committed to providing opportunities for young people and events like this can really help to raise aspirations, by giving teenagers a taste of the opportunities available to them."
Briggs is the national distributor in Great Britain of Yale Europe Materials Handling products. It employs over 700 people, over half of them in its engineering team.