Apprentices receive 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.

Thomas Tutty was named as Cartwright Apprentice of the Year with Peter Holt, Jacob Ritchie and Rhys McAvoy following hot on his heels as runners up.

The body and trailer manufacturer, which has employed over 120 apprentices over the past four years and has a target intake of a further 50, praised its apprentices for their sterling efforts, each making a valuable contribution to the Cartwright manufacturing operation.  It is the third 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 £200.00 and £200.00 worth of tool vouchers, second price £150.00 cash plus £150 worth of tool vouchers, 3^rd prize £100 cash and the equivalent sum in tool voucher and fourth prize received £50 cash plus £50 in tool vouchers.  All tool vouchers were donated by Cromwells.

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 and are now shortly due to take permanent roles within Cartwright.  Our second and third year apprentices are equally committed and making a significant contribution to the organisation.

“Selecting just four apprentices out of our 2014 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 Thomas, Jacob, Peter and Rhys which surpassed the others, making them a natural choice.

Sale born Thomas (17), who has followed in the footsteps of his father in joining Cartwright as an apprentice, has selected coachbuilding as his chosen department however says that the range of skills he has picked up along the way including welding and electrics has stood him in good stead.

He said: “Whilst the coach building section is my preferred choice, the skills I have developed since I first started my apprenticeship means I can turn my hand to anything.

“It is certainly something I want to do for the long term and the assistance I have received from my mentors has been invaluable.”

Peter Holt (17), who also comes from Sale, has now become a key member of Freight 1 and he will be completing his 2^nd year specialising in welding.  Whilst Freight 1 was the first department Peter worked in he has thoroughly enjoyed the skills he has learned during the various rotations including electrics.  Peter commented:  “Working at Cartwright as an apprentice has been a fantastic opportunity and hugely beneficial.  I now want to focus on further improving my skill sets – particularly in welding and developing my qualifications.”

Rhys McAvoy (17) works with Thomas in CB1 although originally started in Freight One.  He likes the people he works with and says he has learned a huge amount since he first joined.  Prior to joining Cartwright Rhys was a student at Stockport College and was invited to apply for the apprenticeship scheme.  He has not looked back since.

Rhys, who is from Wythenshawe commented:  “Joining Cartwright has been a great experience.  I have learned so much.  Everyone, irrespective of their job, is always willing to help and that is so valuable.”

Aged 20 Jacob Ritchie works in CB2 which was his final rotation, but liked it so much he decided to stay. Leaving school at 16, Jacob originally went to college to study Maths and Biology A Levels.  Deciding it wasn’t for him he then moved to Greggs before applying to Cartwright.

Jacob says it was a great move and one he has really enjoyed.  “I have loved my time here and the work in CB2 is so varied that I am never doing the same thing two days running.  It’s great; everyone is always so helpful and I would like to further develop my skills and move on to Level 3.”

Cartwright’s award winning apprenticeship programme is one of the most advanced in the industry and is tailored specifically to Cartwright’s requirements.

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 one week block induction at the Stockport Engineering Training Association (SETA) allowing the apprentices to get into the workplace at the earliest opportunity.  This covers health and safety and functional skills, followed by working four days a week at Cartwright and one day a week attending SETA on day release until they pass all training and assessment standards.

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 have the opportunity to select an area in which to specialise according to skill and interest as the second year apprentices have done.

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.   One of Cartwright’s 4^th year apprentices, Josh Redfern is currently taking a BENG (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University which is a great coup for both Josh and the company and is testimony to the strength of the apprenticeship programme provided by Cartwright.

Cartwright will be recruiting for its next intake in January 2016.  Those interested in applying should log on to www.cartwright-group.co.uk/apprenticeships.