Ten apprentices achieve NVQ Level 3 Diploma Certificates

The team in ITP Aero UK has celebrated the success of its apprentice scheme this week, as some of our existing apprentices receive their certificates and a brand new cohort is welcomed to Hucknall.

The ITP Aero UK site, on Dorey Way in Hucknall, employs more than 700 people, in manufacturing, engineering, supply chain and support function roles. A large number of the workforce began their careers as apprentices, with many senior leaders having followed this career path, including our Managing Director.

This week, ITP Aero CEO, Carlos Alzola, visited from our head office in Bilbao, Northern Spain, to join ITP Aero UK Managing Director, Ian Williamson, in rewarding the existing apprentices, welcoming the new cohort, and thanking those who have represented the business as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing) Ambassadors.

Out of the existing 22 apprentices, currently on programme, ten were presented with their certificates yesterday, to recognise the completion of their NVQ Level 3. All those who have completed their training will be offered permanent roles within the organisation. They will now be encouraged to continue their professional development, as a valued member of the ITP Aero team.

Carlos Alzola, Chief Executive Officer for ITP Aero, said: “As one of the leading aerospace manufacturers in the world, it is important that we are always looking ahead to, and investing in the future of our business. Our apprenticeship scheme forms a huge part of that commitment. Every one of our apprentices are the future leaders in our industry, and it is important that we nurture them and support them to achieve their potential.”

The ITP Aero UK apprenticeship scheme has proved incredibly popular this year, with the number of applications for our 12 apprenticeship positions topping 200.

The 133 applications for our Eight Practical Apprenticeships, which included roles such as Metal Fabricators, Machinists and Maintenance Engineers, were shortlisted down to 30 candidates for our summer Apprentice Assessment Centre, which involved a range of practical assessments and interviews. The successful group will now go through their apprenticeship alongside Vision West Notts College, supported by their managers and mentors within the ITP Aero UK business.

We received 71 applications for our Degree Apprenticeships, which focus on areas such as Manufacturing Engineering and Mechanical Design Engineering. Seven candidates were shortlisted for the Assessment Centre and interview, with four successfully being selected. They will complete their training with the University of Derby.

ITP Aero UK Managing Director, Ian Williamson, said: “Our apprentices are so important to us here in ITP Aero UK. For so many of our manufacturing and engineering roles, an apprenticeship has always been considered the best route into our industry. Many of our senior managers on-site, myself included, began their career as an apprentice; and I hope this inspires all our apprentices to continue to push their own professional development. In a global business like ITP Aero, which is ever-growing and developing, the possibilities are limitless.”

Apprentices are always encouraged as part of their training to become STEM Ambassadors, working with local schools and taking part in events to promote careers in manufacturing and engineering. In fact, a team of apprentices from ITP Aero UK represented the company at the Farnborough International Airshow 2022, taking over the ITP stand on the final day, which was open to the public, schools, and groups such as the Scouts, Guides and Air Cadets.

The team of five was inundated with visits from families, children and young people, hosting two activities, including coding Lego Robots and a putting together a build kit designed by one of the apprentices himself. They were also thanked by Ian Williamson today, and rewarded for their efforts.

The apprenticeship scheme is an ongoing commitment for ITP Aero UK, with a regular intake planned every year. Applications will be invited in Spring 2023.

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