National Apprenticeship Week: Engineering employer encourages young talent to consider apprenticeships for good future

Tony Holden, apprentice mentor, with an apprentice from Rochdale Training

A former Rochdale Training apprentice in a third-generation family engineering company says trainees are vital for future success, this National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February).

Bradley Manufacturing in Chadderton, Oldham is home to several engineering apprentices who are currently learning the about the business. The trainees are in different teams and over 12-36 months complete an engineering apprenticeship at level 3 with Rochdale Training.

The firm’s 146,000sq. ft state-of-the-art factory produces springs, wire forms and pressed components - specialising in sheet metal fabrication and finishing services, including CNC manufacturing, laser cutting, punching, bending and forming, automated powder coating and sublimation printing.

The third-generation family company also has product testing and electrical assembly capabilities and has recently branched out into making LED light fittings.

Tony Holden, apprentice mentor and spring supervisor, started out himself as an apprentice with Rochdale Training.

After completing his apprenticeship, Tony then moved into a full-time skilled role as a flat spring maker before working his way up within the company to now look after new trainees.

He said: “Our business needs young talent to ensure our survival in the future. Trainees gain hands-on experience, while getting paid and full training. Once qualified you can earn up to and above £30,000.

“Apprentices are supported through an internal development programme learning new skills from day one.

“Opportunities to develop and progress are encouraged with full support from the team to move into supervisory and management roles.

“Trainees are treated as adults from the day they walk through the door, and given extra responsibility and pay increases, they gain skills in the workplace and promotions during the apprenticeship.

“I would thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship to any young person; we are currently recruiting and welcome applications from those who want to learn and have a good future career in engineering.”