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180 new apprenticeships created at Halesowen engineering firm

A major recruitment drive has been launched by a Halesowen-based engineering company to create more than 180 apprenticeships.

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Lander Automotive, Woodgate Business Park, which manufactures products for the automotive industry, will be aiming to recruit young people to join the company over the next two years.

Lander Automotive operations director Len Palmer said: "We are looking for at least 180 young people to join the company over the next two years.

"Their apprenticeship will initially be for 12 months and they will then have the opportunity to progress onto an 18 month second year apprenticeship expanding the lean manufacturing and skills for operational excellence.

"Growing the business through the apprenticeship route will regenerate our workforce, bring some fresh blood into the business and address future skills shortages.

"Our aim is to have a multi-skilled workforce who have the capabilities to further develop the business in this area – creating even more job opportunities in the local community."

A bespoke adult apprenticeship skills programme will also be set up for existing staff.

The company today makes part that are used in vehicles such as Jaguar, Land Rover and Nissan.

These include full seat metal structures, fluid pipes and cooling system pipes, airbag pipes and airbag canisters along with instrument panel cross car beams and chassis components.

Mr Palmer paid tribute to history of the Black Country which he said will help youngsters have a good understanding of engineering.

He said: "This area is traditionally rooted in the automotive industry and I am sure that many of the young people applying for apprenticeship roles with us will have a family history of working in this field and therefore a good understanding of the extensive career opportunities available to them."

The apprenticeship will be delivered with the help of implementation specialists Sigma Group and Derby College.

Sigma Group CEO Brendan Hand said "This will be the first manufacturing skills Academy in the area, based at Lander for the community and the employees will be a bench mark for the area, so I would encourage anyone that wants a career in manufacturing with a great company to come along to the recruitment events and start a new future with Lander."

Applicants will be invited to a day-long assessment centre and the first 15 successful candidates will start work this July.

To apply www.apprenticeshipvacancymatchingservice.lsc.gov.uk.

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