A Blackburn-based manufacturer which employs apprentices and encourages others to do the same has been invited to a special event at the House of Lords.
MGS Technical Plastics was part of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders delegation which also included industry giants such as BMW and Nissan.
The company is a vocal advocate of the apprenticeship scheme: each of its directors began their careers as apprentices and MGS recruited six new apprentices over the last 18 months. It also speaks at numerous events to encourage industry peers to consider the scheme.
At the House of Lords, the event showcased apprenticeships of all disciplines from across the automotive industry with apprentices speaking about their experiences to an audience of manufacturers, supply chain companies and MPs.
The reception highlighted how hands-on training can be combined with classroom learning to help young people find high quality jobs while fulfilling the needs of British businesses.
The delegation also discussed how apprentices of different types are employed throughout the supply chain, and in companies of all sizes, while sharing advice and best practice tips.
Mark Preston, of MGS Technical Plastics, said: “Industries such as ours require specialised skills and apprentices are the best way to fill that need. We all need to inspire young people to consider it as a career path and to promote the manufacturing and automotive industries as exciting and attractive options.
“We need to show them what we do, the technical skills we develop, the innovation we strive for, the responsibility we carry economically and environmentally and of course show them what’s possible in terms of career advancement.”
Mark added: “For MGS, it is an honour to be invited as part of the SMMT delegation. We aren’t the largest company by size but it is clear that we do have significant influence. We are on the SMMT Regional Engagement board for the North and are the only plastic injection moulding company on this board, and to be invited to this event along with BMW, Nissan and McLaren shows that we are held in high regard.”
The apprentices who have joined MGS in the last 18 months range from school-leavers beginning their careers through to managers looking to boost their skills sets. They are: Lee Smith, Technician Apprentice; Steven Hyde, Tool Room Apprentice; Dillon Tennant, Electro Mechanical Engineer Apprentice; Simon Glasson, Leadership Apprenticeship; Glenn Miller, Leadership Apprenticeship; and Mark Hartley, Technician Apprentice.
