Syngenta Recognised as Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer in the UK
Syngenta in Huddersfield has been recognised in the prestigious Centrica Top 100 Apprentice Employer List, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
The List was announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards in London earlier this year.
After a tough selection process, the most exceptional apprenticeship employers from all of the National Apprenticeship Award Categories went forward to feature in the list, which showcases the breadth of employers who now offer apprenticeships.
The company, now in its 8th year of recruiting apprentices through its Advanced Apprenticeship programme, had demonstrated a comprehensive learning and development programme that had grown in numbers of recruits but also broadened out into different job roles across the company. The firm has been at the forefront of the development of apprenticeships for their industry, collaborating with learning providers and other key stakeholders. The success of the Syngenta scheme is based around a thorough recruitment process; an excellent induction and a robust workplace programme, with coaching and mentoring support mechanisms in place for their apprentices. Apprentices engaged in the programme have had a real positive impact on their business.
Syngenta Apprenticeship Manager, Ian Nunn said, “We have now seen 45 young people progress successfully through our programme. All of our apprentices start from day one on an employment contract and most continue into full time jobs with Syngenta. Some have gone on to pursue higher education and obtain University accredited degrees whilst in work.
We have valued apprentices for a long time in our company and we recognise the contribution and skills that they can bring to our work. With the right development programme and good coaching, we see how their new ideas can help our business. For any young person interested, we are currently recruiting until 23rd March in Scientific Manufacturing, Engineering and Business Administration roles.”
Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service commented on Syngenta and said “The Top 100 Apprentice Employer List 2017 demonstrates clearly the impact apprentices can have in an organisation. Apprentice Employers are creating opportunities for individuals to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, up to degree level, while working and learning.
The Deputy Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Gwen Lowe visited Syngenta on 7th March during National Apprenticeship Week, to meet with Apprentices and officially present the Top 100 Apprentice Employers Certificate. She said: “Companies like Syngenta are making a difference to the lives of their apprentices by investing in their future. In return, apprentices are helping employers to develop a skilled, qualified workforce to build a stronger economy.
“I know personally how wonderful Apprenticeships are to businesses and young people as my son did one a few years ago and he loved it because as well as learning he was working hands on too, immediately feeling part of the team.”
For Syngenta to make the Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer List in the UK is good for our region and I hope that more businesses look to find out for themselves how apprenticeships can help to grow a skilled and highly qualified workforce in Kirklees.”
People interested in applying for an apprenticeship at Syngenta can do so by visiting www.syngenta.co.uk/careers
