Investing In The Future

Safety Systems UK Ltd Recruits Apprentices

There have been many business improvements at Safety Systems UK Ltd in recent years. A strong commitment to the people agenda has been key to the success story, which has also included investment in development and training at all levels of the organisation. The most recent step in this program is the appointment of two Apprentices.

Paul Williams, Director; General Manager at Safety Systems and Steve Steinsberg, Head of HR for Tyco Flow Control UK, Ireland & South Africa, both agree that “Over many years, the engineering industry in the UK has experienced a decline in the number of apprenticeships being offered, so it is very significant for us and for the local community that we are investing in the future in this way. Our aim is to recruit further Apprentices in the years ahead.”

After an extensive selection and assessment process, Aaron Jones and Matthew Greene commenced their training program, which will take 4 years to complete via a combination of college studies and work experience within the business.

The success of the program will be achieved by a partnership that includes the Company, the Apprentices and very importantly their parents. To demonstrate this team approach, an evening event was held at Safety Systems’ Manchester facility, attended by the new Apprentices, their parents and members of the Management team. The evening was a great success, with presentations about the business, a tour of the facility and some real life stories from Safety Systems managers Mark Lawrence and Phil Cox about what it takes to progress from an apprentice into management roles, they themselves both having been apprentices.

Geoff Twiss, who retired as Senior Shop Steward at the end of 2009, played a big part in encouraging this initiative. Says Geoff, “this is the kind of legacy which I feel proud to have been
part of”. The final comments came from the Apprentices themselves, “This is a great opportunity for us. It’s more than a job, it’s the start of a career!”

Published: 31st March 2010