Member Article

New apprentices help Omega tool-up for growth

A North East precision tooling and injection moulding company has moved to secure its future workforce needs with the appointment of new engineering apprentices.

The Omega Group has recruited 18 year-olds Luke McMorris and Justin Fairburn, and Dan Gray, 19, to bolster its tool making team. They will be joined by Adam Cook, 20, and 18 year-old Jordan Dale, both of whom will be embarking on production apprenticeships at Omega’s Washington site.

Adam hails from South Shields and Jordan comes from Gateshead. Luke, Dan and Justin are from Hartlepool, Cramlington and Ashington respectively.

Luke, Dan and Justin will continue their studies at Hartlepool and Northumberland Colleges respectively during their three-year apprenticeships, which will equip them with skills and grounding as they develop careers as skilled precision toolmakers.

Adam and Jordan, who have already studied at college, will complete their apprenticeships before pursuing careers in manufacturing as part of Signal Plastics, which is now part of the Omega Group.

The Group, formed from the recent partnership between Blyth and Hartlepool-based Omega Plastics and Washington’s Signal Plastics, has a track record of developing apprenticeships, which equip young people with industry recognised NVQ Level 3 qualifications.

Providing services and technical expertise to automotive, medical devices, electronics, biotech and FMCG customers, the company has moved to secure new talent as part of its commitment to investing in improving its skills base.

Omega Group managing director Dave Crone said: “Luke, Dan, Justin, Jordan and Adam will gain important skills while they are with us as well as bringing new ideas, creativity and youthful enthusiasm to the workforce.

“Apprenticeships aren’t just for the larger companies. They are a cost-effective way for smaller, highly specialised firms like us to train the workforce to a high standard and make the business more competitive.”

Adam said: “I’ve always been a practical person and I’m good with my hands. I was looking to get a job that would allow me to learn a trade, and this fitted the bill perfectly.

“Apprenticeships give you the chance to study for qualifications that are valued by employers – and you earn a wage at the same time. I really would recommend them to any young person who is not sure which career option to take.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Round Table Solutions Ltd .