KMF opens the door to a new career

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, which commences on the 6th February 2012, KMF (Precision Sheet Metal) is holding an open day on Wednesday 8th February to allow students and parents the opportunity to see how a modern engineering apprenticeship can deliver a worthwhile career with lots of potential.

With a cumulative increase in turnover of 50% over the last two years KMF has also dramatically increased the number of employees to over 350. In addition to recruiting existing skilled workers it has also focused on developing its own skills base through apprenticeships and this year it is looking to employ an additional 16 apprentices.

To aid that recruitment process it is hosting two open days, the first of these being on 8th February between 12pm and 8pm. “These open days will provide a fantastic opportunity for parents/guardians and students to get a firsthand look at the potential that a career in engineering can provide,” said Jenny Conlon, KMF's training centre manager. “They will get to see the factory in operation, witness the level of investment and technology that is employed at KMF and be able to chat with apprentice training staff, current apprentices and get an understanding of what's on offer at KMF.”

During the open day, in addition to talking about apprenticeships, students will be able to ‘try before they buy' and under close supervision will help design and manufacture, using CNC machine tools a memento that they can take away with them.

KMF has been delivering engineering apprenticeships for over four years now, making effective use of its fully equipped onsite training centre. For 2012 KMF will be offering two levels of apprenticeship – for 16 year olds there is the opportunity to complete a full four year apprenticeship and for older students a two year apprenticeship is available.

Upon completion of either a two or four year Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, KMF's apprentices have further opportunities to study for HNC and HND qualifications with the potential to lead onto management training courses, along with a full time position within the manufacturing facility. With the increase in cost of university education, this provides a fully funded route into higher education and the future career prospects that this brings.

The first open day on 8th February will be followed by a second on 18th April. Students wishing to consider an engineering apprenticeship need to achieve certain academic standards – these being for a two year advanced apprenticeship a minimum of the following: NVQ Level 2 in an engineering discipline; BTEC Diploma in an engineering discipline or Level 2 Engineering Technical Certificate; a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above including maths and science; a minimum of two A-Levels at grade C or above preferably including either maths or science

For a four year advanced apprenticeship: a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above including maths and science.

There is no need to book an appointment and the doors will be open from 12pm until 8pm. More information can be found on the company website and on Facebook and Twitter.

KMF (Precision Sheet Metal)
www.kmf.co.uk/apprenticeships.html