Apprentices acheive recognition in Cartwright awards scheme

Four second year apprentices have achieved recognition in Cartwright’s internal awards scheme in which they received praise for outstanding achievements in attendance, commitment, conduct and overall progress.

Hamza Ahmed was named as Cartwright Apprentice of the Year with Leon Jones and Freddy Elgar coming in second and third place respectively. Anton Oakes was named as the ‘Most Improved’ apprentice – a new award this year – having progressed so much.

The body and trailer manufacturer, which has taken on a further 45 apprentices this year and currently has a total of 103 apprentices on site, praised its apprentices for their sterling efforts, each making a valuable contribution to the Cartwright manufacturing operation. It is the second year Cartwright has held the awards.

Mark Cartwright, Group Managing Director of Cartwright presented the four award winners with cash prizes and tool vouchers.

First prize received £225.00 and £225.00 worth of tool vouchers, second price £175.00 cash plus £175 worth of tool vouchers, 3rd prize £125 cash and the equivalent sum in tool vouchers. The Most Improved category received £75 cash plus £75 in tool vouchers. All tool vouchers were donated by Metex Fasteners.

Mark Cartwright commented: “Since we launched our apprenticeship scheme in September 2012 it has gone from strength to strength. Many of our first year’s intake have already progressed up the career ladder with many of our second year apprentices showing signs of similar talent.

“Selecting just four apprentices out of our 2013 intake was a tough decision. Each of the four young apprentices has had an exemplary first year and set an example for others to follow. They have been a fantastic group with each playing an important role.

“Furthermore what we have found particularly interesting is the individual skill sets they are developing as they complete their rotations around the business. Not only have they become an integral part of our workforce they are learning skills which they will be able to take with them throughout their working life.”

It was however the ability, enthusiasm and commitment displayed by Hamza, Leon, Freddy and Anton which surpassed the others, making them a natural choice.

Hamza specialises in piping, wiring, making modules and first and second fix electrics. At the awards presentation he was described as always willing to help and showing good potential of being a line supervisor and eventually a manager. His excellent time-keeping and attendance had also caught the attention of his superiors as Hamza had never once been late or had a day off since he joined Cartwright in September 2013.

During the second year of his apprenticeship Leon will be specialising in body building as this was an area in which he showed a particular aptitude. He is described as having a great attitude and is always willing to go the extra mile.

Freddy has now become a key member of Freight 1 and he will be completing his 2nd year specialising in welding. He is a positive and outgoing apprentice and a committed member of the team. Freddy has the potential to become a cell leader and further develop his career with Cartwright.

Anton has enjoyed particular success over the past few months marking remarkable progress. He too is now a valued member of Freight 1 and specialises in welding. What became quickly apparent was his inherent ability to pick up on new tasks well whilst at the same time being always engaged in his work showing potential to further develop.

Cartwright’s apprenticeship programme is one of the most advanced in the industry and is tailored specifically to Cartwright’s requirements. Such is the company’s commitment that they have taken on a record 45 apprentices this year.

The fact that Cartwright designs and builds products from scratch is a major advantage and provides apprentices with the opportunity to learn the end to end manufacturing process within one company.

The programme commences with a four week block induction at neighbouring Stockport College before the apprentices join Cartwright whilst continuing their studies on a day release basis.

Within the first year the apprentices undergo six rotations in individual departments every eight weeks so they can experience each stage of the manufacturing process following which, they will have the opportunity to select an area in which to specialise according to skill and interest.

They also have the added advantage of being mentored on the shop-floor under a “buddy” system where they will work with a skilled tradesman, learning from his experience while developing engineering and manufacturing skills.

The bespoke two year apprenticeship programme leads to a Level 2 Engineering apprenticeship on successful completion of which, and subject to interest and aptitude, there will be an opportunity for the apprentices to continue to Level 3 and ultimately HND level to further enhance their career prospects within the industry.