Apprenticeships - The Solution To North's Recruitment Problem
Apprenticeships - The Solution To North's Recruitment Problem
Elddis tackles regional skills shortage by appointing four new apprentices. its first apprentices in ten years. 
Elddis, one of the UK's leading design and manufacturers of touring caravans and motorhomes, has undergone a massive period of growth leading to a need for recruitment across many of its departments.
After advertising for a variety of tradesmen to join its 450 strong workforce, the company quickly realised that a possible skills shortage in the local area meant they were struggling to appoint the right people.
"So we decided to tackle the problem from grass roots and return to the training of apprenticeships under the new Advanced Modern Apprenticeship programme", explains Gary Jones, senior process manager.
"Offering apprenticeships to young people has gone out of fashion in recent years and was a recruitment route we hadn't embarked on for at least a decade. However, by inviting local schools and colleges to visit and experience a busy manufacturing operation we received a lot of interest from older pupils interested in careers with us. Having recognised a problem with local recruitment we decided to capitalise on this interest and offer apprentice training and jobs - and in doing so create a new generation of skilled workers."
This approach to recruitment has required significant investment by Elddis but as Gary explains, the advantage to the company and the skill base of the region is immeasurable.
"As a local employer we believe we have a responsibility to support and improve the region's skill level to ensure we continue to attract inward investment. The training programmes we are creating for young apprentices will contribute to that and raise the benchmark of excellence within Elddis to a new level."
The company has initially created four apprentice positions in conjunction with Derwentside College, appointing two joiners, one mechanical engineer and one electrician.
"They are all highly skilled positions, and the training the apprentices embark upon from day one is very demanding”, said Gary. "To begin their training they spend 30 weeks at Derwentside College where they learn the key skills required before joining us at Elddis. Then after a further three years of 'on-the-job' training and one day per week spent at college they become 'time served' and are offered full time permanent positions within the company."
The gruelling training programme hasn't put off the four new additions to the company. John Paul Devaney is one of the two joinery apprentices, he commented:
"The apprentice scheme is an excellent way to train and earn as you work, and allows you to put the theory and key skills learnt at college into practice in a real work environment. And knowing that there is a permanent job at the end is a great incentive to succeed.”
Apprentice Programme Can Lead to Bigger Things
Sixteen years ago, Mark Graham started at Elddis (then Elddis) as an apprentice in carpentry/joinery. 
"After training for four years I had gained the skills to work full time and soon moved on to become a supervisor on the production line. I am now team leader for gas and electrics on the caravan side. I was able to achieve a level in career I may not have reached without the proper training and skills.”
Published: 04/05/2005
