Member Article

Engineering apprentice starts career at chemical company

A chemical company in West Yorkshire has bolstered its engineering team with the recruitment of a young Bradford apprentice.

Airedale Chemical in Cross Hills has welcomed Josh Thorburn to the team as an apprentice maintenance engineer as he begins his career in the chemical manufacturing industry.

Josh joins the business from Appris, the charity organisation working with businesses in the region to supply engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships.

He will be working alongside the company’s six-strong maintenance team to carry out maintenance, repairs and regular checks on equipment to ensure the smooth running of the site.

Josh, who lives in Haworth, says: “I attended an apprenticeship open evening held by Appris where I learned more about careers in engineering and manufacturing. As a result, I was introduced to the team at Airedale Chemical and after an interview process was offered the position.

“One of the best things about the scheme is that I can now use the theory I cover at college in my work at Airedale Chemical and experience how my studies apply in a working environment.”

Airedale Chemical employs around 100 members of staff and provides chemicals to sectors including industrial cleaning, food and drink, waste management and agriculture.

Dan Fox, operations director at Airedale Chemical, adds: “Josh has made an impressive start at the company and has already been involved in major projects such as the installation of a new reactor vessel on site.

“We’re looking forward to see him develop and progress and hope that this will be the beginning of a long-term position for Josh.”

Airedale Chemical has been based in Cross Hills since 1994 and manufactures and distributes chemicals across Europe to markets including manufacturing, detergency and dairy.

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