Hats off to Siemens’ graduating apprentices

Eight young people from across the North West and Leeds have successfully completed Advanced Apprenticeships with the UK & Ireland arm of global manufacturing firm Siemens.

The apprentices were awarded their certificates during a graduation ceremony at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. Over 60 guests attended, including Juergen Maier - Siemens UK & Ireland CEO, Mike Houghton - managing director of process industries & drives (PD), placement managers, mentors and local scheme coordinators, as well as the parents of the graduating apprentices.

Each graduate gave a presentation on their apprenticeship journey before taking part in a Q&A session with the audience. The day concluded with Juergen Maier presenting the graduates with their certificates and delivering a speech which contained inspirational advice for the graduates’ future careers.

All of the graduating apprentices undertook four-year Advanced Apprenticeships in Advanced Manufacturing, following slightly different pathways depending on the businesses areas they were involved in.

Pathways included mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, engineering technical support and engineering operations. The apprentices completed their on-the-job training at Siemens’ sites in Leeds, Manchester, Wythenshawe and Congleton and many of them will continue their studies with HNC or HND courses at colleges while also working for Siemens.

Jason Phin, apprentice scheme coordinator – DFPD Manchester at Siemens UK & Ireland, commented: “Congratulations to all of our graduating apprentices. They have all done a fantastic job, some even completing their courses ahead of time. They should be very proud of themselves.

“Our apprentices now have first-hand experience working for an industry-leading, international company which is involved in high-profile, innovative projects across the globe. This, combined with the theoretical knowledge they obtain, makes them well-placed for a successful career in the future.

Siemens plans to develop its training and development offering in Manchester by partnering with the University of Salford to offer a degree solution that incorporates its own PLC programming training accreditation.

Siemens www.siemens.co.uk