‘IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN’
Michelin’s respected apprentice scheme now in 95th year
TYRE maker Michelin has recruited its latest cohort of trainees as part of a long-standing annual apprenticeship scheme which has been operating for 95 years.
Launched in 1927, the Michelin programme underpins the culture of the company providing a springboard for trainees to start their careers.
It also provides an opportunity for people to progress into senior leadership roles, with a number of former apprentices now at managerial and directorial level.
For its 2022 intake, the company has taken on three recruits in engineering roles, for a rigorous programme involving a mix of classroom, workshop and production site training at the JCB Academy, as well as at Michelin’s own Engineering Training Centre and factory in Stoke-on-trent.
Mike Ludford, aged 17, Elliott Pettitt, aged 17, and Marshall Mcglen, aged 18, will learn about electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as pneumatics, steam and hydraulics.
Marshall, who studied for GCSES at JCB Academy, said: “I wanted an engineering role at a good company.
“It’s very supportive at Michelin and a great place to learn. The whole focus is on quality and we are learning a great amount.”
Former Endon High School pupil Elliott added: “I wanted a hands-on approach to learning about engineering. It’s been great so far and I’ve learnt a lot already in a short space of time.”
Mike, who attended Trentham High School, is following in his father’s footsteps as his dad
– who joined Michelin as an apprentice – now works in IT at the Stoke site.
Mike said: “Pretty much every engineer I have met in North Staffordshire has been a Michelin apprentice and it’s a great start to have. The hands-on teaching and classroom learning is very good.”
The new recruits are being trained by engineering apprentice manager Paul Lovatt, who also joined the company as an apprentice in 1980.
Paul said: “The apprentices will complete three to four years of training with the aim of preparing them to join the production site’s engineering maintenance team.
“Historically the engineering apprenticeship has proven to be a sound foundation for people’s careers.”