SMETHWICK GLASS PRODUCER INVESTS IN LOCAL APPRENTICES

16th February 2018

Harry Weston has been retained by Birmingham-based specialist glass processor and manufacturer, MiGlass to undertake a full-time engineering apprenticeship following the successful completion of a one-year level two Intermediate Modern Apprenticeship with the company.

Brandon Knight, 19, has also been taken on full time by the Smethwick-based company following completion of his Modern Apprenticeship and he is now employed in Production.

These two apprenticeship schemes have been so successful for MiGlass that they have also taken on two more apprentices in other parts of the business, in accounts and commercial.

All the apprentices have worked at MiGlass to ‘learn their trade’ and then spent time at Walsall College to secure their qualifications. Harry will also complete his engineering apprenticeship with Walsall College, which will see him become fully qualified to Electrical Engineer and enable him to undertake MiGlass’ factory engineer role.

Alan Taylor, MiGlass Managing Director and a Business Ambassador for Sandwell Council said:

“Glass processing is a fast-changing industry with increasingly sophisticated machinery changes being introduced each year. At MiGlass we are committed to bringing ‘new blood’ into the industry to ensure that we are always at the leading edge when it comes to people and products.

“Apprenticeship schemes are a fantastic way to bring young people from the local community into our business – after all we have been doing this for the last 80 years – and give them thorough training and an alternative to university for some. We see young people as an investment, not cheap labour, so our apprenticeship pay levels reflect this too. As a progressive Midlands manufacturing business, apprenticeships make great business sense for us and support young people in their future direction”.

Harry, who spends two days a week studying at Walsall College and the rest of the week at MiGlass on an increasingly wide range of engineering duties and responsibilities said:

“I’m developing a lot of new skills, which is great as it’s building on the practical skills I learn at college. I am really excited about what the future could hold for me in the glass industry.”