College and bakery cook up a bright future for William

David Wood Baking operates out of six locations in the UK, including their factory in Scarborough, where they produce a range of quality frozen and craft bakery products for major retailers and food service firms across the UK including M & S, McCain, Birds Eye and Tesco.

Scarborough TEC are working closely with DW Baking to train skilled engineers. William Lighthowler is currently undertaking his Level 2 Engineering intermediate apprenticeship with the firm.

Marc Stephenson, engineering manager at David Wood Baking, said: “We decided to take an apprentice because we have a firm belief in the value of strengthening our workforce for the future. It also allows us to give young people the opportunity to develop themselves for their own future, something we firmly believe in.”

Marc went on to say: “In terms of the future development for Will we will be working with him to decide which direction he wishes to move into, whether it be design, control, install or management to name only a few. Throughout his time here, we are making sure he is exposed to as many aspects of engineering as possible in order to ensure he is a well-rounded engineer once he completes his apprenticeship.

“Will is a young engineer but within the next two to three years he will be a strong member of the engineering department able to deal with most breakdowns on the lines running at this site.

“I would highly recommend other companies to take on apprentices through Scarborough TEC as they are the potential future of your business and become vital members of the team. Also, seeing a young individual develop from leaving school to an experienced engineer is highly rewarding for everyone concerned.”

Scarborough TEC offers a range of apprenticeships including accounting, business administration, construction, electrical, engineering, hairdressing, health and social care, hospitality and catering, and motor vehicle.

Debbie Hilton, external programmes manager at Scarborough TEC added: “Scarborough TEC are delighted to work in partnership with David Wood Baking. We appreciate the high quality training they provide for William, the investment of time and interest in the apprentice throughout the programme, and their continued support.

“We currently sit 15 per cent above national average for our full apprenticeship provision which is something we are extremely proud of. National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the best of apprenticeships and traineeships. This year’s theme is ‘Climb the Ladder of Opportunity’ through apprenticeships something we feel David Wood Baking is supportive of, ensuring their apprentice experiences a range of engineering aspects to enable him to make choices about his overall career aims.”

To find out more about apprenticeships at Scarborough TEC there is an information event on Saturday March 11, from 10am to 12.30pm, where people can speak to members of the apprenticeship team and tutors.

For more information and to register, visit scarbrooughtec.ac.uk or call 0800 731 7410.