Continued Success For Elddis Apprentice Scheme

Elddis Ltd one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of touring caravans and motorhomes has hired four new apprentices. The apprentice scheme in conjunction with Derwentside College has been running for five years and has so far recruited a total of eleven apprentices.

The Neighbourhood Regeneration Funding Scheme supports the apprenticeship scheme. The NRF provides funding to Local Authorities and other agencies and communities. This funding helps them work together to improve the overall quality of life for people living in areas of high unemployment or lack of education.

Daniel Walker, Richard Denman, Damon Coates, and Daryl Johnson were all chosen for the apprenticeship scheme after taking part in a selection day that involved a factory tour, aptitude tests, team exercises and an interview.

Richard Denman says, “I was attracted to the apprenticeship because of the long term career prospects with Elddis. We are also offered the opportunity to progress further by completing a HNC and HND in our chosen pathways”.

The first year of the four-year apprenticeship is based in Derwentside College where the students undertake a ‘foundation year’ where they learn key skills such as literacy, numeracy, IT and communications. After this the apprentices are primarily based in the factory to continue their training in their chosen pathway becoming electricians, gas fitters or maintenance fitters.

Gary Jones, General Manager for Elddis “We started the apprenticeship scheme because we have a responsibility as a company to improve the regions skill levels and create employment opportunities. Elddis is committed to raising the benchmarks for excellence and the staff we recruit and the training we offer play an important role in this”.

Published: 07/11/2007