Long tradition of training leads to long-term careers at Holroyd

They will be continuing a tradition that goes back for almost as long as the 150-plus years that Holroyd has been a leading employer in the region. "As a company, we are committed to investing in the local workforce," says HR director Don Whittle. "Indeed, as part of our strategy to maintain the exacting engineering standards that we have become renowned for, every year we look to take on a number of young people; developing their skills through a strong, engineering-based modern apprenticeship programme that typically takes up to four years to complete. This is in addition to offering summer placement opportunities to promising engineering degree students. "Perhaps most importantly, when interviewing for each year's apprentices, we look very carefully at where future skills gaps may exist in our business. This not only ensures solid succession planning by developing the core skills essential for the future of Holroyd, but also gives each apprentice a very real career opportunity to work towards." Apprentices joining Holroyd today spend 12 months with Holroyd's teaching partner, Rochdale Training Association (RTA), a change made in 2006 by Mr Whittle, who had worked with RTA for many years. "We decided that it made good sense to pool our resources," he says. "As a result, Holroyd apprentices continue to receive the highest standards of initial training; Rochdale Training Association benefits from the government funding that our apprentices attract; while other apprentices are now able to see and experience the Holroyd way of doing things." During year one, Holroyd apprentices learn a range of key engineering skills at Rochdale Training. This is in addition to attending college for one day each week to study towards the BTEC Ordinary National Certificate. With their first year completed, they then return to Holroyd's Milnrow headquarters for on-the-job training. Ultimately working towards the NVQ Level 3, they continue with day release, progressing to the BTEC Higher National Certificate award. "Industry-recognised qualifications and a career with plenty of opportunities for progression, however, aren't necessarily where the story ends," adds Mr Whittle. "Whenever we feel that an apprentice has the necessary ability and aptitude, we'll continue to support them through degree-level study – and beyond – if that's a route they're happy to pursue. We really do aim to provide our employees with the best opportunities available." And the majority of those awarded an apprenticeship with the company not only stay the course, but typically go on to enjoy long and successful careers with the machine tools and precision components specialist. As an example of Holroyd's commitment, former apprentice Philip Hart, 32, who was working through his NVQ Level 3 in 1998, was subsequently 'fast tracked' onto a university course instead. He went on to secure an honours degree in engineering at Salford University. Now a research and development engineer with Holroyd, he has recently achieved full membership of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) – quite possibly the highest accolade of his technical expertise so far. Another example is production foreman Steve Greenwood. After completing his apprenticeship in 1988, Steve gained experience across several areas of the business, including time working on multi-axis rotor grinding machines and a specialist supercharger production cell, before being promoted to the role of production foreman in the Precision Components Division. Currently responsible for a team of 30 staff, Steve heads a department with an annual turnover of £6.5 million. "The apprenticeship programme at Holroyd is the best you can get. It provides first-rate training, incredible levels of support and encourages a real work ethos," he confirms And current apprentice Josh Mills, 20, is equally enthusiastic: "I'm thoroughly enjoying what I'm doing and I'm getting paid for it," he says. Josh began his engineering apprenticeship in 2011, after previously working in a car body shop. "I'm learning cutting-edge skills that will put me in good stead for the future." To find out more about the Holroyd apprenticeship programme, email: Mary.McGrath@Holroyd.com, or call 01706 526 590. Image: Former Holroyd mechanical engineering apprentice Alex Horne