New intake for crane specialist

Such is Konecranes commitment to the programme that the company is pledging to double its apprentice intake in 2016.  
 
Bringing the total to 33 apprentices currently enrolled onto the initial three to four year scheme (19 in crane service, five in administration and nine in production), the 2015-2016 newcomers will be based around the country at Konecranes regional branches in Rochester, Andover, Bristol, Warrington, Sheffield and Gateshead. 
 
Selected from some 150 plus applicants, each apprentice will attend college for off-the-job training, the aim being to achieve NVQ Level 2 PEO (Performance Engineering Operations). At the end of year one, the apprentices will also benefit from a further six weeks intensive training as a group, delivered onsite at Konecranes state-of-the-art training centre located at its UK headquarters in Castle Donington, Leicestershire. Here the focus will be crane specific and health and safety. Subsequent training will then be in accordance with the company’s ongoing programme. On completion of training, apprentices will be qualified as Service Technicians, with a BTEC Higher National Certificate in electrical and electronic engineering.
 
Commenting on behalf of Konecranes, Pat Campbell, Director of Market Area – Europe West said: “Apprenticeships are not only a great way for an individual to gain a recognised qualification, but to develop professional skills for real career progression. We have both senior managers and directors in our business who have undergone the apprenticeship programme in the past, so the scope for continued development not just here in the UK, but on a global basis, is a very realistic proposition.”
 
In recognition of the apprentices’ training and learning efforts, Konecranes recently held its annual Award Ceremony, this year involving the presentation of a new Memorial Award made in commemoration of Paul Coxon, a former apprentice of Konecranes himself. Bestowed on the apprentice that demonstrated both the personal qualities and attributes that Paul consistently exhibited during his 25 years service with Konecranes, the inaugural award went to fourth year apprentice, Alex Linford based in Gateshead. Also singled out was Apprentice Of The Year 2015, James Thackery of Sheffield.