Engine component manufacturer, Schaeffler UK Ltd, has won ‘Best Company’ in the Pathway to Apprenticeship (PtA) Awards 2013, in recognition of the company’s ongoing support and commitment to the programme.
Working in partnership with SEMTA and Further Education Colleges, the Welsh Government introduced the PtA programme in 2009. The scheme gives young people a chance to learn skills and gain vital work experience, while giving employers an in-depth look at potential entrants to their industry and access to pre-trained, motivated young people.
Neil Walters, Production Support Manager at Schaeffler UK, received the Best Company Award on behalf of the company. He commented, “Pathway to Apprenticeships is a fantastic scheme and we are therefore delighted to have won the Best Company Award this year. As a manufacturer of automotive engine components, Schaeffler UK has always recognised the importance of investing in its people. It is essential that we have a highly skilled workforce, and apprentice programmes play a major part in meeting this need.”
The Schaeffler plant in Llanelli manufactures high precision engine components for the automotive market, employing 260 people.
Adrian Roberts, Director of Human Resources at Schaeffler UK added, “As a company, we have always recognised that a continuous flow of new engineering apprentices into the business is critical to the ongoing success of our manufacturing plant in Llanelli. Taking on apprentices each year enables us to continually develop the pool of talent and skills that we have here. Developing strong links with our local college, Coleg Sir Gar, has played a significant part in this successful programme, giving selected unemployed youngsters a real taste of manufacturing.”
