• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

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Former SSI apprentice finds employment with Doornbos Equipment

18609Former SSI apprentice, Callum Stewart, has found employment with local business Doornbos Equipment in Billingham following the closure of the SSI steelworks.

18-year-old Callum has been employed by the firm as an apprentice engineer, where he will continue to work towards completing his NVQ level 3. This will allow him to progress, gain work experience and qualifications, which will lead to full time employment following the completion of his NVQ.

Callum’s new employment is supported through the £1.7m Task Force Apprenticeship fund, which has been created to encourage employers to take on one or more of the 50 ex-SSI Apprentices. The fund is being administered by Tees Valley Unlimited.

Callum said: “I am extremely grateful to Doornbos Equipment for taking me on as I was really worried about the future due to the closure of SSI.

“My apprenticeship with Doornbos Equipment is giving me a successful career with the company and I’m looking forward to becoming a fully qualified member of staff.”

Steve Buxton, Doornbos UK Manager added: “Ensuring the local area has a future generation of skilled workers is vital if we are to continue to meet the needs and demands of our existing and potential customers.

“We are delighted to provide Callum with an apprenticeship. He is a welcome addition to the team and we are happy that we can assist him progress in his career.”

Amanda Skelton, Chair of the SSI Task Force and Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said:

“All the SSI apprentices are now back in training or employment and I am pleased that Callum has been given this opportunity as a direct result of the Task Force funding.

“I would like to thank Doornbos Equipment as well as all the other companies which have come forward to offer their help and support.”

Doornbos Equipment is based in Billingham and specialises in the rental and sales of (ultra) high pressure water jetting and vacuum equipment. They are the official agents for Dynajet – hot water high pressure pumps, TST – body protection wear, NLB (ultra) – high pressure pumps and stockists for Parker – Polyflex high pressure hoses.

They have more than 200 customers including Harpers Environmental Ltd; Lucite; Central Industrial Services and Veolia.

For more information about all the funds available to help support employees and businesses affected by the SSI closure, go to http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/taskforce.

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