Caroline Flint paid a visit to Polypipe Building Products, Edlington, this week, to see their award winning apprenticeship programme.
 
Speaking after meeting the Polypipe apprentices Caroline said:
 
“It was great meeting apprentices who know that their employer is investing in their skills.  I’m not surprised that Polypipe’s apprenticeship programme is an award-winner.  The company clearly believes that one of the best ways to improve productivity is to develop the workforce and encourage employees to improve their skills.
 

Working together: l to r Paul Rice, Business Development Manager,  Melissa Flett, HR Manager, Michael McCombie, Stephanie Kirkbride, Jak Boyce, Caroline Flint, Liam Case, Jerry Comrie, Adam Krawcewicz, Darren Oliver, Martyn Ramsey, Cameron McLellan, Operations Director

“The young people I met were doing apprenticeships in accountancy, business administration, toolmaking, welding, electrical automation and polymers.  These are vital skills for a successful manufacturer like Polypipe.  I’m sure this investment in staff is one of the reasons Polypipe has more than held its own through one of the toughest down turns in our lifetime.”
 
Paul Rice, Polypipe Business Development Director said:

“It was a pleasure to have Caroline Flint tour our Broomhouse Lane site.  Caroline spent a long time with our apprentices, finding out about their skills and qualifications.
 
“Apprentices are key to building a strong future for Polypipe and apprenticeship programmes bring highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals, keen to learn, into our business. Our aim is to meet any skills gaps whilst ensuring we employ a motivated and qualified workforce.“

Polypipe won the Doncaster Chamber Apprentice Employer of the Year Award 2012 for its apprenticeship programme.