Member Article

Draeger Safety UK continues to invest in local

Draeger Safety UK Ltd. is continuing to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing local talent, investing in a comprehensive apprenticeship programme for young people in the North East.

Draeger Safety UK, which is based in Blyth, Northumberland has been recruiting apprentices for over 10 years, offering experience in all areas of the business and investing in training outside the standard requirements of an apprenticeship framework.

The apprentices, who are provided by the North East Chamber of Commerce, are given the opportunity to work in areas including operations, manufacturing engineering, fire and gas systems, supply chain management, logistics, HR, site facilities and purchasing.

As well as on-the-job training, apprentices are also given the opportunity to gain additional nationally-recognised qualifications through educational establishments or training providers such as HNCs in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering, IOM Certificates and Diplomas and degrees.

Allan Nesbitt, Training Officer at Draeger Safety UK, believes it is vital that North East employers continue to invest in talent and young people in the region.

He said: “As a large employer in the North East we have a responsibility to not only grow our business, but to develop and cultivate talent and skills in the region. This has a positive impact on the local communities and helps us to drive the economy, particularly in the current business climate.

“The young people that come through the doors here at Dräger are our future workforce so it’s vital we give them the start they need and a solid platform to build upon. We currently have apprentices from areas such as Blyth, Cramlington, Ashington and Killingworth and they have all proven to be exceptionally talented individuals.

“In addition, since completing their apprenticeships, a number of the young people have gone on to higher education and are currently enjoying successful careers within the business. Some of our key members of staff began their Dräger career as apprentices.

“We will continue to invest in our current and future workforce through apprenticeships, training and placements and would encourage other North East employers to consider apprenticeship opportunities within their businesses.”

Michael Watts, 20, from Blyth is in his last year of his apprenticeship with Draeger Safety UK and says that it was a great opportunity as there were so few jobs when he finished school.

He said: “In my case the opportunity has been amazing. I was able to get an apprenticeship in an international company in the department I was interested in electrical engineering.

“Coming to Dräger has also allowed me to further my knowledge by giving me the chance of completing a college course which is equivalent to a first year degree (HNC level). Gaining my apprenticeship was a massive opportunity for me as there were very few jobs out there coming straight out of school. To be offered a job, learn at college and be paid for something I enjoyed doing was huge for a 16 year old!

“Some of my friends were not as lucky as me, as they were applying for apprenticeships whenever they could and were unfortunately never accepted. It seems to have been quite hard to secure an apprenticeship within the region, but Dräger has given me and a number of others here a fantastic chance to develop a career. The set-up is clear and there has been a constant intake of apprentices since I started a few years ago.

“I hope to carry on working at Dräger as it is a great company to work for and there is always the possibility to better yourself either through promotions or through ongoing learning.”

North East Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, James Ramsbotham, said: “It is fantastic to see Draeger Safety UKreaping the benefits of its commitment to developing young people through apprenticeships and I would like to congratulate both the company and the youngsters for their continuing success.

“Apprenticeships are an ideal way of addressing key business needs and recruiting and developing a highly-skilled workforce that can be molded to meet a company’s individual needs. They bring considerable value to employers, individuals and the economy as a whole.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Draeger Safety UK .