Commercial vehicle body and trailer manufacturer, the Cartwright Group, has taken on 17 new recruits as part of its multi-award-winning apprenticeship programme which is now entering its eighth year.
The apprentices, aged 16 to 19, will experience every aspect of the production line within the South Manchester-based company during the two-year course.
Over the two years the apprentices will rotate between six departments including coachbuilding, freight, delivery, inspection, paint and fabrications.
Once they have mastered the basic skills in all six departments, they will be given the opportunity to specialise in an area best suited to their skills and interests.
Upon completion of the programme they will gain an NVQ Level 2 in Engineering. From there they will have the chance to progress for a third year on an Advanced Apprenticeship to NVQ Level 3 and ultimately could go on to achieve HNC / HND engineering qualifications.
Since launching its apprenticeship programme in 2012, Cartwright has welcomed over 200 apprentices through its doors, offering a solid foundation for those looking to build their career with the 67-year-old company.
Every one of the apprentices has been mentored on the shop floor under Cartwright’s ‘buddy system’, where they work alongside a skilled tradesman, learning from his experience whilst building their own engineering and manufacturing skills.
Cartwright recently presented awards to a group of outstanding apprentice graduates in recognition of the completion of their apprenticeships and promotion to full time permanent roles within production.
A group of outstanding apprentices from across the board were also presented with individual awards, each of whom are making their mark in the business and have an exciting career path ahead of them.
Among them is Daniel, aged 17, who won the Most Improved Award. He joined Cartwright straight from school. Now in his second year he has just completed Level 2 Production Engineering Operations and will be working towards Level 3. Fiercely ambitious, he has already set the sights on the next stage of his development.
He said: “I am thoroughly enjoying it. I live in Eccles so have to travel quite a distance. I leave home at 5.30am every day, taking two buses and a tram but it’s worth it. Cartwright has been a fantastic opportunity. Our mentors ensure we’re always learning, and I feel I’ve come a long way thanks to my colleagues. They’re like family.”
Group Managing Director Mark Cartwright and Group Chairman Peter Cartwright presented the awards.
Peter Cartwright, fondly regarded as the company’s oldest apprentice having celebrated almost 60 years’ service, said Cartwright had taken the decision this year to refine its apprenticeship in line with national guidance which suggests a shift focusing on the long- term development of those joining the scheme.
He said: “Once again we have some fantastic recruits who have proven themselves to be the future of this company. We have been delighted with their progress and dedication and we look forward to developing more stars of the future who have come in as part of our most recent intake.”
