Platinum Stairlifts kicks off its recruitment drive with appointment of four apprentices
Yorkshire-based Platinum Stairlifts has appointed four full-time apprentices as part of in a bid to boost the local employment of skilled young workers.
Platinum Stairlifts are working in partnership with Keighley College to provide opportunities for apprentices in the local area, which they say is part of the UK Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.
As highlighted in the Budget announcement in March 2021, £126 million is being made available for 40,000 more traineeships in England, funding work placements and training for 16-24 year olds.
The manufacturer is entering an expected period of significant growth over the next 12 months and has stated that it is recruiting for many new positions.
The first two apprentices from Keighley College to be appointed included plate welder and fabricator Level 3 students Emily MacFarlane, 19, the firm’s first female apprentice in the rail build division, and Elliott Rhodes, 29.
They have since been joined by new recruits Callum Hardaker and Cameron Pickering, who will all be working as apprentice rail builders.
Nicola Greenwood, Human Resources Manager at Platinum Stairlifts, said: “We are delighted to have been able to give Emily and Elliott the opportunity to train and gain essential skills for them to attain their qualifications.
“We are in a period of significant growth this year, which is a fantastic place to be considering the impact Covid and Brexit has had on some businesses.
“Our market opportunities are looking promising, and we will be recruiting to manage our plans to expand over the next year.
“We’re passionate about hearing from talented people who’re keen to join a skilled workforce. As a large employer in the area, we’re committed to providing valuable opportunities for our colleagues.”
New recruit, Emily, is the firm’s first female apprentice in the rail build division. After studying engineering, she completed her NVQ certificates in welding and fabrication at Keighley College. She is now undertaking the Plate Welder Level 3 apprenticeship, giving her the opportunity to work on production lines as an apprentice builder.
Emily commented: “I am really enjoying the work and the team at Ultimate have been welcoming and helped me when I have needed it. Getting a job at Platinum has helped gain more hands-on experience which means I can complete my practical tests to a better standard.”
Elliott recently gained his Welding and Fabrication Level 2 NVQ qualification and is now working towards Level 3. He added: “I wanted to gain hands on experience and in the two months I have been at Platinum, I already feel more competent and am really enjoying the experience I am gaining.”
Established in Keighley in 1996, Platinum Stairlifts is one of the largest UK manufacturers of bespoke stairlifts. Founded in 1996 by company chairman, Tim Frear, the company has qrown to now employ over 200 workers.
https://thiis.co.uk/platinum-stairlifts-kicks-of-its-recruitment-drive-with-appointment-of-four-apprentices/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Elliott.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Elliott-150x150.jpgNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade Newsaccess,apprenticeship,levelling up,Mobility,Platinum StairliftsYorkshire-based Platinum Stairlifts has appointed four full-time apprentices as part of in a bid to boost the local employment of skilled young workers. Platinum Stairlifts are working in partnership with Keighley College to provide opportunities for apprentices in the local area, which they say is part of the UK Government’s...Liane McIvorLiane McIvorliane@thiis.co.ukEditorTHIIS Magazine