SCA committed to taking on apprentices

Dec 13 2008 by Ian Laing, The Journal

TOILET paper maker SCA Hygiene Products has taken on 16 apprentices at its factory in Northumberland.

The Swedish-owned plant in Prudhoe, which already has 450 staff, has taken on 30 apprentices in the last two years to ensure staff have the right skills for the job.

Process apprentice Josh Swinburn, 17, said: "When I was at school and college I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.

"I replied to the advert for apprentices at SCA, passed the aptitude test and the interview, and my life has definitely changed. Now that I am here I definitely know what I want to do. I want to become an operations technician and will try my hardest to get there."

The plant’s human resources manager Alison Rishworth, said: "We developed the apprenticeship schemes to build key competencies in the business to prevent a potential skills shortage in the future.

"We are totally committed to growing our own workforce and bringing in new apprentices ensures that knowledge and skills can be passed on from our experienced employees before they retire.

"To date, every apprentice we have taken on has received the offer of a permanent job with us and I am confident that this year’s intake will maintain that proud record.

"Our apprenticeship schemes not only benefit SCA and the young people themselves, but they also add to the skills base of the North East of England, making it an attractive location for manufacturing investment."

Tony Sarginson, regional manager of manufacturers organisation EEF, said: "SCA has shown commitment to strategic, long-term investment in young people through their apprenticeship scheme.

"Through this they have also set an example to other companies and will reap long-term benefits. EEF applauds their commitment to this level of investment in training for our young people."