With the intention of producing talented workers for the industry in the future, William Hughes continues to invest in its apprenticeship scheme.
During the four-year programme, apprentices have the unique opportunity to experience the full range of manufacturing processes at the William Hughes factory and head office in Stalbridge, Dorset.
Emma Burgon, engineering director at William Hughes, says: “As we continue to grow, we are constantly creating opportunities for skilled setters together with middle and senior managers. We are delighted that many of these positions are being filled by apprentices when they have finished their formal training.”
William Hughes carefully selects candidates using local resources including job centres, local newspapers and further educational establishments. Interested applicants are invited to attend an open evening at Stalbridge, where they are introduced to the company’s activities and learn how the apprentice scheme works.
Following this, candidates undertake a week’s work experience at the factory, which provides an excellent opportunity to assess them for suitability for the scheme. Selected candidates are encouraged to pursue an NVQ in general manufacturing which can be converted to an HNC and HND level.
European sales engineer and key account manager Richard Haime – a past apprentice on the scheme – says: “I joined William Hughes as an apprentice in 2002. I am currently learning German and my career with William Hughes has developed through the factory floor to a management role. My background and qualifications are ideally suited to my current position which involves spending a significant amount of time visiting our customers in Europe, preparing tenders for big automotive contracts.”
