A Wiltshire business is bringing back apprenticeships, seen by the company as crucial to the successful development of British business.

Swindon-based magnetic components manufacturer and distribution specialist MMG MagDev is introducing its own apprenticeship scheme for school leavers who wish to start their apprenticeship with the company at the end of the current school year.

The re-introduction of apprenticeships into British industry and commerce is essential for the successful development of Great Britain plc, according to MMG MagDev managing director Paul Wharmby.  “It seems that apprenticeships became unfashionable two or three decades ago when cost-cutting was seen as a way of making savings,” said Paul.

“That proved to be a false economy which was detrimental of the success of the UK as a world manufacturing and commercial base. It is time to reverse that trend.”

The initial apprenticeship at MMG MagDev will cover engineering and specifically the company’s core magnetics products and will be for four years. The selection process will be managed in conjunction with engineering training provider Avon Vale Training, based in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and school leavers will be required to qualify with a minimum of five GCSE passes, including maths and physics, and an offer of placement will be made to one successful applicant, subject to GCSE results, starting in August.

Formalised day-release at college will be provided as part of the apprenticeship so that the apprentice will have the opportunity to reach the level of theoretical and academic skills required and to supplement the workplace experience.

The apprentice will also be mentored by the company’s technical director and technical manager, while the entire management team will ensure that the apprentice is given every opportunity to develop within the company.

“The introduction of this apprenticeship scheme represents a significant investment by MMG MagDev, to benefit both the community the future of the company,’ Paul Wharmby added. “We are all very excited about welcoming our first apprentice in the summer of 2007 and seeing them become an integral part of the future of the business as a whole.”