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Nurturing the Next Generation of Talent

Heatrod are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent through our apprentices, and what better time to share their stories than National Apprenticeship Week 2022. Our apprenticeship scheme enables us to grow our own talent, across all areas of the business, ensuring we develop skilled individuals equipped to meet the needs of the business, now and in the future.

John Cole, Heatrod Operations Manager says, “All engineering apprentices work through our various production areas, ensuring they receive experience in all key processes and the products that Heatrod offer. This enables them to support in any area as necessary to allow efficient production.

Over the years we have seen the benefit apprentices can bring to our business and are committed to carrying this forward, recruiting additional engineering apprentices in 2022.’’

Our apprenticeship scheme combines on-the-job training with studying for nationally accredited qualifications. 2021 has seen the scheme expand from Engineering, to include a Business Administration and in March 2022 our first Accounts Assistant Apprentice will be joining the team.

Read our current apprentice’s stories here:

Luke Chadwick, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

Luke Chadwick, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

Luke joined Heatrod in July 2018 as an engineering apprentice. He has now completed his City and Guilds engineering course and is now studying towards his HNC at Trafford College. Luke has worked through various production areas within Heatrod, including straight elements and the Braude production line, in particular Nautilus heaters. Luke was a key member of the team when production of Braude products transferred from their original home in Sandhurst, to our new production facility in Bolton.

‘’Throughout my time at Heatrod I have enjoyed working in all areas, in particular the Braude range. In 2019 I was given the opportunity to spend two months at the Braude production facility in Sandhurst, to learn all about the manufacture of the Braude products, before assisting in the transition of the production line to the new Heatrod facility in Bolton. I have now completed my apprenticeship and am working towards a HNC in Mechanical Engineering. The skills learned during my apprenticeship will stand me in good stead for my future career.’’



Jake Stirrup, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

Jake Stirrup, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

Jake joined the Heatrod family in November 2020 as a mechanical engineering apprentice. He has so far worked through our straight element and Braude assembly lines and will soon be moving into our assembly team with a focus on producing duct heaters. Jake combines on-the-job training at Heatrod with studying at Wigan & Leigh College on day release. Due to complete his BTEC Level 2 in the next few weeks, Jake will then start an Engineering BTEC and NVQ Level 3.

‘’Engineering has always been something I have been interested in, due to the influence of both my Dad and Grandad who were both Engineers. I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship at Heatrod, expanding my skills, and setting me up for my future engineering career. When not at work or college I enjoy working out at the gym and supporting my football team, Bolton Wanderers.’’

 

 

 

Joshua Markham, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

Joshua Markham, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

Joining Heatrod in November 2020 as a mechanical engineering apprentice, Josh has worked through our bending and brazing production areas and will soon be moving onto our Heavy Industrial area. Josh combines on-the-job training at Heatrod, along with studying at Wigan & Leigh College on day release. He is due to complete his BTEC Level 2 in the next few weeks and will then commence an Engineering BTEC and NVQ Level 3.

‘’I am really enjoying my time at Heatrod, learning lots of practical and life skills and expanding my engineering knowledge. I’m currently working in the brazing area which has been my favourite so far. Outside of work I enjoy playing football and spending time with family.’’

 

 

 

Libbie Boardman, Business Administration Apprentice

Libbie Boardman, Business Administration Apprentice

Libbie joined Heatrod in August 2021 as a Business Administration Apprentice, a new apprenticeship for Heatrod, widening the scheme from purely engineering. Libbie is currently studying for her NVQ Level 3 via North West Training Group and is due to complete this in August 2022. After an overview of all admin functions, Libbie will be moving to a broad operations support role in the coming months.

‘’Throughout my life, I have always struggled with what career path I would like to take. Previously, I have worked in a pharmacy and a butcher’s, but figured they were not for me. When seeing a Business Administration Apprenticeship being advertised online, I quickly realised that this could be the apprenticeship for me, as different occupations were merged into one. This role felt perfect for me as it would help with my career path in the future. Furthermore, I have been here 6 months and I already know what path I want to take in the future. My apprenticeship covers Sales, Accounts, HR, Marketing, Customer Service, Production and Operations. My time at Heatrod so far has been fabulous because I am constantly learning something new and thanks to my great colleagues, I have gained a lot of confidence within myself.’’