Icon Plastics has demonstrated its commitment to a workforce of the future with the recruitment of a second apprentice.
Callum McKechnie, 17, who lives in Yarm, has joined the precision plastic injection moulding firm as a business administration apprentice after leaving Conyers School.
The apprenticeship means Callum will be gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace, as well as continuing his education with fortnightly one-to-one tutorial workshops supported by Stockton Council Learning and Skills service.
His role at Icon will comprise of a number of administrative duties such as purchase orders and shop floor paperwork, data inputting and daily stock take.
Gareth Thomas, Icon Plastics Managing Director, said: “It is integral to develop our apprenticeship training scheme further to help ensure the future of skilled workers.
“Bridging the gap between education and business is a fantastic way to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed by today’s industries.”
Phil Walker, Icon Plastics Operations Director, said: “We are delighted to have recruited Callum. Apprenticeships offer young people the chance to earn while they learn; they not only provide an education but allow school leavers to develop the necessary workplace skills.
“Callum is proving himself to be an intelligent, diligent individual who is keen to learn new skills. Already a great member of the Icon team we look forward to his progression and development during the apprenticeship.”
Callum, said: “I chose an apprenticeship because you get to both further your education and get hands-on practical experience. It was important for me to develop the skills necessary for the working world.
“I am very proud to be part of Icon’s apprenticeship training scheme and my ambition is to build a successful career at the firm.”
Joanne Smith, Delivery Team Leader at Stockton Council, said: “Our aim at Stockton Council’s Learning and Skills is to offer excellent support for our apprentices and a bespoke service to employers, where apprentices in the workplace can develop their skills and competence.
“We are actively involved in the support and matching process for employers, employees and young people and would encourage anyone thinking on these lines to contact us for an informal chat. Employers like Icon Plastics are providing real opportunities for young people and adults to find employment.”