Centre of excellence – several Wilton
Centre-based firms are major advocates
of apprenticeship programmes.
“I think it’s very
important for local
companies to give
opportunities to
local young people.”
Learning curve – Lynas
Engineers’ Ben MacGregor,
Stephen Drinkwater and
Tom Hustwitt all joined the
firm as apprentices.
predominantly petrochemical region, which
meant that few candidates for vacant positions
had a relevant biotechnology background.
“This approach has been very successful.
We currently have 15 apprentices in entry level
positions across the business, with a further
17 full time staff – many of whom we took
on as apprentices – doing further vocational
qualifications.
“Mentoring these young people as they start
out on their career is essential and we’ve been
lucky that the team members responsible for
their training have been very supportive. Many
of them take pride and satisfaction in training
the next generation; it’s been good for team
morale overall.”
CPI’s strategic focus on developing the next
generation of skilled staff has recently been
recognised with a number of awards, including
• Premier offices
• Lab space
• Meeting facilities
the NEPIC (North East Process Industry Cluster)
Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2020 and
Northern Skills Overall Apprenticeship Employer
of the Year 2020.
A similar approach has been adopted by
Lynas Engineers, another Wilton Centre
occupier, which has taken on numerous
apprentices over the years – from school
leavers at 16 right through to degree level
apprentices –working with both Teesside
University and Middlesbrough College.
Rob Lynas, managing director, commented:
“The majority of the team at Lynas Engineers
have followed an apprenticeship or work-
based career route and it has been part of our
business plan from day one to develop young
engineers from the local area to help grow
the business and it is something we are fully
committed to continuing.”
To find out more about the
facilities and opportunities
at the Wilton Centre, visit
wiltoncentre.com
• Easy access and secure premises with
plenty of free parking
• Restaurant, gym & landscaped grounds
Wilton Centre, Redcar, TS10 4RF | enquiries@wiltoncentre.co.uk | 01642 438000
The voice of business in the Tees region | 75