Leicestershire manufacturer to take on 60 apprentices

An automotive manufacturing supplier in Measham has launched an apprenticeship recruitment drive to take on and train 60 young people over the coming months.

Plastic Omnium in Westminster Industrial Estate designs and supplies bodywork components such as bumpers and tailgates for automobile manufacturers and is part of the international Plastic Omnium group which operates in 30 countries.

The company aims to grow the business through the apprenticeship route – regenerating the workforce, bringing fresh blood into the business and addressing future skills shortages.

Plastic Omnium has already successfully recruited 38 semi-skilled manufacturing apprentices at its Warrington site under a similar programme who have now been taken on as full time employees.

Now, at the Measham site, 60 apprentices will be recruited in staggered stages. The first group will start in the coming weeks and combine paid work with training for nationally-recognised qualifications.

Apprentices will earn a salary of £13,000 a year over the 12 month programme with career progression opportunities and further training moving forwards.

Plastic Omnium Auto Exterior is working in partnership with leading workforce development and lean implementation specialists Sigma UK Group and the apprenticeship division of Derby College.

Sigma and Derby College will design, implement and manage the entire programme.