A manufacturing firm which lays on a wide variety of traineeships for north-east youngsters has joined the Press and Journal’s Apprentice 100 campaign.
Hydro Group, which designs and produces cables and connectors for various industries, will hire a maintenance apprentice to support our quest to boost young people’s career prospects.
About 16 of the company’s 104 staff are aged under 24.
They are completing a range of apprenticeships, including accounts, engineering design, inspection, IT, machine shop, maintenance, sales, stores and technical.
Managing director Doug Whyte said traineeships had played a key role in Hydro Group’s development since he founded the business in 1982.
And he said the size of the business should not matter when it comes to offering young people a chance to flourish.
He said: “Historically, we have always taken on apprentices. Even when we were a company with 20 employees, we had an apprentice.
“We are not a big company and a lot of bigger companies could be doing more to train young people to replace experienced staff members who retire.”
Mr Whyte also said the Bridge of Don-based company had a staff turnover rate of less than 2%, which he put down to a range of factors.
He said: “Our staff retention levels are very high, particularly for Aberdeen, where the norm is for people to change their jobs about as often as they change their socks.
“It’s at that level because of the level of training we offer and a spread of other issues. Our staff members are made to feel that they are worth something and are part of something.”
The financial rewards on offer also play a part in ensuring job satisfaction at Hydro Group.
The firm pays more than the apprentice national minimum wage and has enrolled all of its staff on to its pension plan, even those below the compulsory age of 22.
Ross Lappin, an 18-year-old who has spent two years as an apprentice in Hydro Group’s machine shop, said he could not ask for more from the company.
He said: “Since I started here I’ve learned how to operate manual and automated machinery. I’ve learned to speak up more.
“At first I wasn’t that loud, particularly considering I was working in a machine shop, but I’m getting there now.”
Sherri Cocker, 20, initially wanted to be a hairdresser after leaving school but eventually opted to undertake an apprenticeship in accounts at Hydro Group.
She is currently doing an HNC and aspires to passing chartered accountant exams.
She said: “My colleagues have been so helpful with everything since I came here three years ago. You get time off for exams, with full pay, so you can buckle down and revise. You do not need to worry about coming in.
“Overall, it’s been good fun and I’ve really enjoyed it – there’s something new to learn every day.”
Become a maintenance apprentice at Hydro Group by sending a CV to i.buxton@hydrogroup.plc.uk.