The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Serimax gives chance to fire-up a welding career
Highland pipeline firm joins P&J campaign
A Highland pipeline welding firm has linked up with the Press and Journal’s Apprentice 100 campaign after vowing to put some spark into young people’s careers.
Evanton-based Serimax has taken on four apprentices every year since 2002, when the firm established its own training school to tackle the skills shortage in the area. And it will now take on twotrainees as part of our campaign to give
“Serimax has a proud tradition of developing and retaining apprentices”
dozens of promising youngsters a foothold on the career ladder.
Serimax has a proud tradition ofdevelopingandretaining apprentices. Earlier this year, the company received accreditation from Investors in Young People, an organisation that recognises businesses who have exemplary youth employment records.
HR director Helen Cumming, who was heavily involved in securing the accreditation, said Serimax is always keen to reward bright, hardworking people with excellent career paths.
Serimax trainees spend 18 months of their fouryear courses in the firm’s workshops under the watchful eye of experienced mentors, before forging out on their own trail.
Welding trainer John Rosssaid apprentices are vital in securing the futures of Serimax and the industry as more skilled welders retire.
Mr Ross, who took over the role from the recentlyretired Willie MacIntosh, the training school’s founder, said Serimax apprentices can see the world and work in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, chemicals and civil engineering.
Richard Murray has plied his trade all over Europe, the Middle East and Norway since joining Serimax’s apprenticeship programme in 2003 as a 19year old.
Mr Murray said: “I became lead welding engi- neer in the middle of 2014, and I’m really happy with my career. Serimax is a great company to work for and they’ve given me brilliant opportunities.” Apply to become an apprentice welder at Serimax by sending a CV to: helen.cumming@serimax.com