Apprentice scheme to answer CEM skills shortages

A new apprentice scheme aims to encourage fresh blood into the technology industry and solve skills shortages at ACW Technology.

UK-based contract electronics manufacturer ACW Technology has set up a new apprentice scheme in a bid to encourage fresh blood into the technology industry.

The company has already recruited its first trainee, Nikki Lynch, 23, from Southampton who joins ACW's global purchasing team, and is actively looking for other bright, motivated individuals to fill a number of other engineering and purchasing opportunities across the company.

"The prospect of studying technology subjects at university and college just isn't fashionable with young people nowadays", commented Owen Reeves, Managing Director at ACW Technology.

"Even though the UK electronics and manufacturing sector remains vibrant, the workforce is aging and the industry is crying out for an injection of fresh, young blood".

"ACW is finding it increasingly difficult to find high-calibre employees with the right skills, so we've decided to revert back to the old-fashioned apprentice scheme".

"By investing in educating our own people, we can bringing them up to the required standard quickly and help maintain the quality of our service".

Lynch will spend the next three years developing all the necessary skills and experience needed to become a competent electronics buyer.

She has a comprehensive training schedule, which means that by the time she has completed her apprenticeship she will have a range of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply recognised qualifications as well as the security of a job.

Lynch was already working within ACW's dispatch department when she was approached by an internal manager about the possibility of applying for an apprenticeship.

Says Lynch: "The ACW apprenticeship came up and I was lucky enough to get it - since then I've never looked back".

"Every day is different and there's always a challenge".

"It's just a nice, fun, stimulating environment to be in".

"I would never have thought about going into purchasing or technology if this opportunity hadn't come along".

She continues: "I've already learnt so much in the short time I've been with ACW and look forward to the remainder of my apprenticeship".

"The apprentice route was perfect for me - it's a great first step on the career ladder without the debt burden that usually comes with going through university".

"I get invaluable training and experience but get paid too".

"I'd certainly recommend it to other likeminded young people".

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