A new Modern Apprenticeship programme has been created at Norbord, Inverness, to develop skills that are focused on the technical and manufacturing aspects of the process at the mill.
The new Technical Manufacturing (TM) Modern Apprenticeship is an 18-24 month programme consisting of a combination of theoretical learning and practical hands-on experience within the production process, and results in an SVQ2 qualification.
Emma Eadie, HR Assistant, says: “We have always supported Modern Apprenticeships and take on two apprentices every two years to be trained in either mechanical or electrical engineering to help support our maintenance teams.
“However, we’ve also been keen to support the production side of our operations and we looked at putting a training package together that both met our operational needs and for it to also qualify for a Modern Apprenticeship status.”
Emma worked with production manager, Mark Reilly, Quality assurance technician, Jennifer MacDonald, and alongside Inverness College to develop a suitable programme.
Emma adds: “The college is very familiar with our operations from our past work with them with our existing apprenticeships and they were very helpful in looking at our production roles and developing an educational package that would support a new apprenticeship programme.”
