Ladbrook takes on its first apprentice in twenty years

Tom Hannant, 17, has joined Ladbrook on an Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme and will be attending day-release sessions at college while also working and receiving technical training within the Ladbrook factory at North Walsham in Norfolk. Ladbrook Engineering has a history stretching back over 70 years and has recruited and trained many apprentice engineers in the past, but economic conditions in recent years has prevented the investment of the time and money required to provide an apprenticeship. More recently, Ladbrook has rebranded itself and invested in new technologies as well as explored new markets, resulting in a growing order book and increased profitability. "Capable and experienced engineers are very difficult to find at the moment," said Paul Goodman, manufacturing director. "In order to compete in the world, we need highly skilled toolmakers and press setters; training our own seems to be the clearest way forward for us at this time. Taking on Tom as an apprentice is an exciting start." Mr Hannant will attend EAGIT engineering college in Norwich on a day-release basis. EAGIT provides a wide range of training services to over 250 companies. It offers multi-level skills training which includes mechanical and electrical engineering, welding and fabrication, pneumatics and hydraulics, CNC, machining, fitting, milling and turning. "We have won several new and impressive clients over the past couple of years," said Mr Goodman. "Our hope is that there will be more apprenticeships at Ladbrook starting over the coming years."