National Apprenticeship Week is now in its 10th year and one Bristol engineering company can demonstrate the value of this path for a long term career, with a workforce which includes both former and current apprentices.
Bristol-based IES’ Installation Manager Russ Shears began his life in engineering as an apprentice at printing press manufacturer Strachan Henshaw 49 years ago. He worked there for 31 years where he was involved with the buildand installation of printing presses across the World, and then spent a decade working at Komori UK where he installed large print presses. He joined IES in 2009and has continued his globe-trotting, installing printers as far afield as Brazil, Singapore, China, Australia, the USA, and Japan. He is currently working on the installation of industrial digital inkjet print technology across the World on behalf of HP and his expertise and experience is highly valued by their team, with PWP Global Install Manager James Scanlan referring to him as “a guru in his discipline and a gentleman to work with.” Now aged 65, he has no plans to retire from his fulfilling role.
At the other end of the age spectrum 20 year old Conor Burge is just beginning his career as an electrical production assistant, and having completed a Performing Manufacturing Operations Level 2 apprenticeship last October he will soon commence work on a 2-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering Level 3 course with Weston College.
Managing Director Niels Morch is a huge advocate of apprenticeships, commenting, “Russ and Conor are both valued employees of IES, and their stories prove that University is not the only route to a fulfilling career in Engineering. At IES we have a wide range of training and learning opportunities – including mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering. Apprenticeships are a great route into the industry, as they allow students to gain work experience whilst studying for recognised qualifications.”
IES is a leading, worldwide provider of specialist engineering and logistics services. From single machine installations to entire factory relocation and from manufacturing to high-tech industry, IES provides an unrivalled reputation for quality of service and reliability. Based in Avonmouth it works with a wide range of clients from start-ups to blue chip multinationals, and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.