Yamazaki Mazak UK has demonstrated its commitment to the future of British manufacturing with the intake of 17 new apprentices.

The latest wave of recruitment brings the total to 62 apprentices currently in training with the machine tools manufacturer, with over 200 successfully trained since the scheme began in 2011.

“Despite the pandemic, we believe our apprenticeship program is critical for the long-term future of our business and that of the wider manufacturing sector. For this reason, we have maintained our apprenticeship intake this year,” said Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak.

The newest cohort’s training is split between a college education and hands-on involvement in the workplace, beginning at Worcestershire Group Training Association’s (WGTA) training centre in early September. Here, they will learn the basics of CNC machining, and electrical, mechanical and sheet metal manufacturing.

Eventually, the class of 2021 will work alongside Mazak staff in a number of departments at their European Headquarters in Worcester. Most of the apprentices will complete a Level 3 accredited apprenticeship pathway, with an extension to HNC/D level also a possibility.

“Developing a workforce that is able to build, operate and maintain CNC machine tools will be critical to the growth of British manufacturing as a whole. Many of these students will one day join the workforce of our Worcester site and we are extremely excited to see what they can achieve,” concluded Richard.

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