Fuchs to continue apprenticeship push

One of the UK’s leading lubricant manufacturers has demonstrated its commitment to developing the next generation of talent by extending its apprenticeship programme. Fuchs Lubricants currently has 13 apprentices operating from its UK headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, and the search is on for more youngsters to join the growing team.

Apprentices were first employed by Fuchs in 2014 and have filled roles within a host of departments including quality control, product management, research and development, IT and HR.

A further 10 apprentices are now being sought, with purchasing and customer services amongst the departments which will benefit from the latest influx of young talent.

Susanne McClurg, HR executive at Fuchs Lubricants, said: “We are very proud of the people who have already passed – and those currently working towards – their apprenticeships. These are fantastic career opportunities for young people who are getting the chance to progress their training.

“The great thing about our apprenticeships is, once the young people have completed them, the training and education continues. We are committed to continuing to develop the individuals and the results are there for all to see.

“It’s a win-win situation. For Fuchs, it’s part of our succession planning, creating the next generation of specialists and allowing them to tap into the knowledge of our existing workforce.

“For the apprentices themselves, it’s a fantastic career opportunity. When you walk around their working environments, you see young people assuming responsibility with the ambition and the drive to progress.

“We give them a platform to work from but they are the right people to take it forward.”

Fuchs offers apprenticeships ranging from level two to level five in numerous areas of the company.

Tilly Wood has just completed her Level Three Business Administration apprenticeship with Fuchs and is now employed as a product management assistant in the automotive division.

The 20-year-old, who has been in her role for 18 months said: “If you are thinking of doing an apprenticeship at Fuchs, I would say definitely go for it.

“It gives you a chance to develop in a working environment and put into practice what you are learning in your job role.

“I’m a big fan of apprenticeships and think they can make a real difference to a young person.”

In addition to the apprenticeship programme, Fuchs is providing engineers and motor mechanics of the future a valuable insight into the lubrication industry by sending its technical experts to visit a host of universities, colleges and training providers.

Amongst the educational centres to benefit from Fuchs’ expertise on the basic principles of lubrication over the last 12 months are Derby, Oxford Brookes and Brunel Universities along with Bridgwater, Myerscough and Hugh Baird Colleges in Somerset, Lancashire and Liverpool respectively.