Tradition continues after 150 years

Former Holroyd Mechanical Engineering apprentice, Alex Horne

Apprentices joining Rochdale based Holroyd Precision in September 2013 will be continuing a tradition that goes back for almost as long as the 150 plus years that Holroyd has been a leading employer in the town.

The company takes on a number of young people every year developing their skills through a strong, engineering-based modern apprenticeship programme that typically takes up to four years to complete.

As well as the apprenticeship programme, the company also provides summer placement opportunities to promising engineering degree students.

HR Director, Don Whittle said: “As a company, we are committed to investing in the local workforce. When interviewing for each year’s apprentices, we look very carefully at where future skills gaps may exist in our business. This not only ensures
solid succession planning by developing the core skills essential for the future of Holroyd, but also gives each apprentice a very real career opportunity to work towards.”

During year one, Holroyd apprentices learn a range of key engineering skills at Rochdale Training. This is in addition to attending college for one day each week to study towards the BTEC Ordinary National Certificate. With their first year completed, they then return to Holroyd’s Milnrow headquarters for on-the-job training. Ultimately working towards the NVQ Level 3, they continue with day release, progressing to the BTEC Higher National Certificate award.

Current apprentice, Josh Mills said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying what I’m doing and I’m getting paid for it.” Josh, 20, began his engineering apprenticeship in 2011 after previously working in a car body shop. “I’m learning cutting-edge skills that will put
me in good stead for the future” he added.

Rochdale Training Association’s Chief Executive, Jill Nagy said: “We have worked with Holroyd for over 25 years and immensely value the partnership we have developed. During this time we have helped recruit, develop and train their apprentices, many of
whom are from the local community.