Star GB introduces an apprentice to an MP

Joe Whiteside, who joined Star GB in 2006, has been visited by the MP for South Derbyshire, Mark Todd, who wanted to find out what it is like to work as an apprentice in his constituency.

The Melbourne-based company, which played host to the parliamentarian, supplies CNC sliding-head lathes.  Joe is currently training to be a process engineer under the company’s apprenticeship scheme.  One of the key drivers for Star taking on an apprentice is the opportunity for the company to grow its own talent.

During the visit, Mr Todd toured the premises and met the management team at Star GB.  He also learnt about the benefits that apprenticeships bring to an organisation through discussions with National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) Derbyshire Employer Service Manager, Julie Harris, and training provider, TS2000.

Mark Todd MP commented, "It was great to visit a company that has maintained its commitment to an apprentice through a recession. I was able to see both the sophisticated components produced by Joe and talk about the increasing involvement he has had with customers, deepening his work experience.

"His appointment also shows that you don't have to be a big company to support apprenticeships."

Young people in the region have an excellent opportunity to take advantage and apply for an apprenticeship at the moment, as the number of vacancies in the East Midlands currently awaiting applications has soared past the 500 mark for the first time since the NAS was set up last year.

Regional Director of NAS, Karen Woodward, commented that the visit shone a spotlight on apprenticeships.

She said, “The benefit of supporting the wider introduction of apprenticeships in the workplace is clear for employers, employees and the wider economy in Derbyshire.

“They also provide an amazing opportunity for young people starting out in their careers to earn whilst they learn, and get ahead with the training they require to start them on a solid track to success.”

Bob Hunt, Managing Director of Star GB, added, “Our group philosophy of training and employing apprentices to learn key skills has given us a competitive edge and ensured that for more than 50 years we have been a world-wide leader.

“We would recommend to all employers to take on apprentices, as they quickly become key members of the team, with the additional benefit of subsidised government funding for their training.  A well-trained and motivated workforce is key to maintaining a competitive edge.”