A leading body and trailer manufacturer, Cartwright is to recruit 70 apprentices over the next two years.

The south Manchester based manufacturer, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in manufacturing this year, has developed a two-year apprenticeship programme in partnership with Stockport College that will lead to a two-year basic apprenticeship in engineering.

Promising recruits will have the opportunity to progress for a third year on an Advanced Apprenticeship to City & Guilds level 3 and ultimately to HNC/HND engineering qualifications.

The ambitious plans come after Cartwright enjoyed its best ever year in its history in terms of volume and turnover, with a major escalation in orders leading to the company adding more than 200 workers to its 350 workforce last year.

The apprenticeships are being targeted at 16-18 year olds and recruits will benefit from the fact that Cartwright designs and builds products from scratch giving apprentices the opportunity to learn a whole manufacturing process within one company.

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They will develop skills in all areas, including welding, hydraulics, electrical and air fitting and testing, general fitting and assembly, machine operation, finishing and pre-delivery inspection, before being able to specialise in a particular area that matches their skills and interests.

John Cartwright, explained: "Skilled workers are the lifeblood of our company and some of our most senior managers began their careers as engineering apprentices on the shop-floor.

"There are good career opportunities for practically-minded teenagers who want to earn a recognised national qualification while being paid a salary and learning about a business from the inside.

Patricia Byrne, Assistant Principal, Stockport College, said: "We are delighted to be working with Cartwright and to be able to give them a bespoke apprenticeship programme that not only meets their needs but also gives fantastic opportunities to young people in difficult times.

"It's very exciting. They will learn very practical skills in our workshops, which will give them the right experience to develop a long-term career at Cartwright, at a time when the UK is going back into recession.

Young people interested in this opportunity can find more information and apply on-line on the Cartwright website.

(Hmc)