05.07.2012

Outreach encourages apprenticeships

Falkirk-based Outreach – the designer, manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of loader cranes, access and handling equipment - has taken on another apprentice.

Last year, for the first time in years, the company employed two new engineering apprentices and its experience has been so positive it has already recruited another who started work last month.

Calum Stewart, now 20, from Bo’ness, joined Outreach last year on a four year apprenticeship as a Mechanical Engineer and Cameron Langslow, also 20, from Lennoxtown, joined at the same time taking a four year apprenticeship as an Auto Electrician.

They will now be joined by 16 year old Darren Ross from Carronshore, taking a three year Modern Apprenticeship in Fabrication and Welding, having first come to Outreach through a Work Experience programme at his former school, Larbert High. As part of their apprenticeships, all three will attend Forth Valley College on a day release basis.
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(L to R) Derek Payne, Outreach managing director operations, apprentices Darren Ross, Cameron Langslow and Calum Stewart and Gary Potts, managing director sales and marketing.

Gary Potts, Outreach managing director sales and marketing said: “Like most employers, we are very much aware of the current economic climate and the long term structural barriers that stop many young people getting a job and starting their career. It’s a serious issue and we wanted to help in some small way, so we decided to restart our apprenticeship programme. It’s been one of the best business decisions we have made in the last year. These young apprentices have proven to be great assets to our company. Their thirst for knowledge is undeniable and their enthusiasm is infectious. Our message to all employers out there, large and small, is that today’s young people have a lot to offer so give them a chance and you will reap the benefits as a business too.”

Based at the Middlefield Industrial Estate in Falkirk, Outreach currently employs 60 people. The company is also committed to be part of the Work Experience programme through local schools giving youngsters a “taste” of a working environment, insight into job interviews, inductions, health and safety, etc all designed to benefit them in their quest to secure suitable employment in the future.

Bob Martin, Work Based Learning Development Manager, Forth Valley College said: “With youth unemployment at its highest in years, apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to enter the jobs market and develop valuable skills which will contribute to the success of the organisation and ultimately economic recovery.

“We’re delighted that Outreach has recognised the benefits of hiring apprentices and the positive impact they can have on an organisation. Apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds as they provide vital practical skills training backed up with theoretical knowledge. We would encourage any organisation seeking to develop their workforce for long term success to consider apprenticeships.”