Nowhere is the value we place on people development better illustrated than in our continual commitment to apprentice training which stretches back long before the formation of Aylesford Newsprint. Every year we offer up to six places on our Advanced Apprenticeship programme, with trainees studying a common first year at IPS International before specialising in one of three disciplines:
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Process engineering
The recruitment process begins shortly before Easter each year with an Open Evening designed to give potential applicants and their families an opportunity to see the mill, meet some of our people and find out about the training offered. A rigorous but hopefully enjoyable selection process follows, with the successful candidates finally joining the Company for a two-week induction in mid-August. After that, it's off to IPS International for the essential foundation course combined with day release to gain a relevant National Certificate qualification.
With the foundation successfully achieved, the apprentices head back to the mill where they embark on an intensive standards-based programme designed to equip them with both the required skills for their chosen discipline and the local knowledge that will enable them to make a valuable contribution in any area of the mill. Day release continues as most apprentices will continue through to achieve an HNC, with some even going further and moving onto degree programmes.