Two new apprentices have joined the Foundation Apprenticeship Scheme at Bradford-based detergent, hygiene and construction chemical manufacturer, Christeyns.
Joe Pearson, 23, and Adam Brookfield, 18, fought off strong competition to be selected for the two apprenticeship places at the Rutland Street headquarters. Over 90 applications were received and shortlisted candidates took part in a selection day that involved interviews with the management team, numeracy and literacy tests, team activities and a factory tour.
The two apprentices have now started their foundation apprenticeship venture during which they will follow the EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Manufacturing Operations and Level 2 Diploma in Engineering and Technology.
The two-year programme will involve spending a minimum of one month in each internal department including customer services, purchasing, accounts, production, distribution and transport. They will also undertake further training including a forklift truck course.
As well as learning about Christeyns, the apprentices will also spend time at Alex Reid, Klenzan and other companies under the Christeyns UK umbrella.
Neville Kildunne, Works Manager and Apprenticeship Scheme Mentor commented: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of our staffing policies here at Christeyns. Our training programme ensures that wherever they are in the business, our new recruits are aware of the influence they could have on other departments and therefore take decisions based on systemic thinking.”
Joe, from Bramley, Leeds, has a background in sales and has also spent time working in Greece. He is a keen gym enthusiast and although early days he is interested in the selling side of the Christeyns operation, as well as the engineering department.
Adam lives in Baildon and attended Bradford College, where he undertook a Manufacturing Engineering course. Inspired by the possibilities that a career at Christeyns offers, Adam is keen to learn about all areas of the business. Outside of work he enjoys football and working on his car.
There are currently seven apprentices undergoing various programmes at Christeyns, and a new Talent Academy scheme is being put into place with the aim of developing employees across all levels of the business.
