Apprenticeship gives job a lift
Published 6 Feb 2012 12:30
A TEENAGER is picking up vital skills as one of the first to take part in a new apprentice scheme for the forklift industry.
James Cox, 17, is training as a fork lift truck engineer with Linde South East as part of the UK's first certified apprentice scheme for the industry.
James, who lives in Crown Wood, said: "My apprenticeship with Linde has meant that I am able to earn as I learn, something I wouldn't have been able to do at university. At just 17 years old I already feel like I am on a fast track to a career that I've always wanted.
"I was over the moon when I was given the apprenticeship and the past six months have been great, I've met so many people and have learnt so much from them. Seeing people who were once in the same position as me go on to do so well in the company has given me a real push to work as hard as I can. I really enjoy meeting Linde's other apprentices who are also training to be fork lift service engineers and being able to meet up with them on various training courses has been a brilliant opportunity to meet like-minded people.
"My usual week consists of spending four days at Linde South East in Camberley, and one day a week at college, where I learn more about the theory behind the work I do on site.
"I am looking forward to qualifying as a service engineer in 2014."
The programme has been designed by the UK Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) and is being managed by REMIT, a government recognised UK training and recruitment agency. It is adapted from the Institute of Motor Industry light vehicle programme and covers engineering skills.
James is also receiving training on Linde machinery.
During day-release college classes at Farnborough College, James, who began the apprenticeship in September, is also studying communications, application of numbers and information technology.
He is also doing a forklift course through Nuneaton College which he attends on block release.
Jeff Aylot, head of customer services at Linde, said: "For the employer, recruiting an apprentice is a surprisingly easy and cost-effective way to benefit from loyal and highly skilled service engineers, while for the apprentice, it's a great opportunity for a highly skilled and well-paid career together with the chance to earn as you learn."
For more information, visit www.fork-truck.org.uk/apprenticeships
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