Dustcheck can see the future (July 2011)

Stoke-on-Trent based Dustcheck, has achieved a successful 'first' this month in that their first ever Apprentice has completed his training. Twenty year old James Christmas has completed his four-year Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering in conjunction with Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC).

"Opening up a business to Apprentices is like opening a brand new tool box as they can bring a plethora of new skills to a business. Apprenticeships are a cost effective way of training staff, ensuring they have the skills the business needs to move forward," said Colin Alaimo, Engineering Lecturer/Assessor at NULC.

The scheme has been something the manufacturer of industrial dust extraction and filtration equipment has not undertaken before but investing in James as an Apprentice has been a very worth while exercise. Having the ability and scope to train him from the outset whilst on the job has ensured that he has just the right skills they need.

“We have been able to ensure that any skills shortages have been planned for as we've trained James in the way we work and meant we haven't had to employ someone who may have already developed 'bad habits' in their trade. James now having the skills, product knowledge and experience so early in his career is very beneficial to Dustcheck's future and indeed, James' long term prospects,” said Bill Moran, Production Director, Dustcheck.

"Without businesses sponsoring new Apprentices a lot of skills will be lost. On the job training is a great way to fill skills gaps, train staff to perform better and can solve recruitment dilemmas as companies are making sure that the Apprentice is learning the skills that their business needs,” Colin added.

James was also awarded the Progress Achievement Award for his Engineering Apprenticeship at the Newcastle-under-Lyme College Apprenticeship awards evening held in June.

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