Cambridgeshire-based contract manufacturer Prima Electronic Services has set up an apprenticeship to give the younger generation an understanding of manufacturing-based engineering.

The apprentices started in January at the Prima St Ives plant. Splitting their time between college (one day a week) and the production site (four days a week), they are due to complete their programs in the middle of 2022. The recruits work four months at a time in a range of departments to get a more rounded understanding of various disciplines within the business. This approach should also help them identify a particular area of interest they could specialise in.

Prima apprentices are also given projects to challenge them and help them build their confidence. By the time they finish the program, they will have gained a Level-3 qualification in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Following on from that, there is also the potential for them to take a HNC in this subject.

“This is a great route through which school leavers can progress into becoming well-rounded manufacturing technicians, and kick-start their long-term professional development,” said Charlie Colbert, Engineering Services Manager at Prima, who started out as a Prima apprentice.

“Among the essential skills they will pick up are working as part of a team, problem solving and keeping to deadlines. Following on from this, there is even the possibility of the company funding certain candidates to continue their studies at university,” he added.