Axiom launches apprenticeship scheme to plug skills gap

17 November 2011

Axiom Manufacturing Services, has launched a new apprenticeship programme to offer young people in the area employment opportunities in manufacturing.

Alex Lewis, 20, from Tonypandy and Shawn Philips, 22, from Aberdare join the 185 strong team at Axiom Manufacturing Services after a rigorous selection process as the company’s first two recruits on the new scheme. The apprenticeship programme will not only help kick start careers in the electronic manufacturing industry, it will also help cement the relationship between Axiom and local further education college, Coleg Morgannwg.

The apprentices, who are recruited and trained in conjunction with Coleg Morgannwg, will undergo a training programme lasting up-to four years. This will include working in every department within the company before choosing a specialism. The two new recruits will also continue in education on a day-release basis once a week.

Alex said: “Rob Taylor from Axiom came to Coleg Morgannwg and presented to a large group of us and I believe around 30 students applied for the apprenticeship programme. I was one of the lucky ones to be called back for an interview and eventually offered the placement. I am now working towards completing a BTEC National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Level 3 (2 year course) and I will then be progressing onto my HNC in Mechatronics.

 “I’m really grateful to Axiom for the opportunity to join the team, especially as the local job market is so tough at the moment. So to be able to get into an industry that I want to work in, and be able to learn on the job is brilliant.”

 Shawn adds: “I was keen to join Axiom as the company has such a strong profile in the local area, and is widely recognised as a quality international electronics manufacturer with a very talented workforce.  I am keen to develop my skills as a technical engineer and the team here is extremely supportive in helping me do this.”

 Senior engineer at Axiom and mentor to the apprentices, Rob Taylor, concluded: “At Axiom we have always been keen to employ local people like Shawn and Alex, and we strive to play a key part in the development of future skilled workers for the electronics sector.  The launch of this apprentice scheme with Coleg Morgannwg not only helps to strengthen our relationship with the college and the community but will hopefully create the next generation of engineers.

 “Apprenticeships ensure that our workforce has the practical skills and qualifications the business needs. We look forward to seeing the new additions to the team grow and develop their skills as they play a key role within Axiom, helping the company to maintain its excellent reputation within both the manufacturing and electronics industries and as the programme continues, with new apprentices joining each year, ensuring our own long term sustainability.  I would like to thank Coleg Morgannwg for their excellent support.”

Earlier this year, Axiom donated electronic testing equipment to Coleg Morgannwg’s technology department at its Nantgarw campus to help provide students with a hands-on experience of the workplace. Axiom also supports the view that that the industry is suffering from a lack of skilled workers and pledged to work closely with its local college to develop programs tailored to the manufacturing industry to help plug the skilled labour gap.