News: Beatson Clark apprentice wins national award

An apprentice from Rotherham glass manufacturer Beatson Clark, has won the Apprentice of the Year Award given by the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London.

19 year-old Matt Lee has been a multi-skilled maintenance engineer with the Greasborough Road company since it introduced an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship scheme in November 2010.

Matt, who completed 14 weeks of basic engineering training at Brinsworth Training Centre in Rotherham before joining Beatson Clark, said: "I am really enjoying the work and looking forward to becoming a fully qualified glass manufacturing engineer.

"It's really good experience and Beatson Clark provides everything I need to kick-start my career."

Ron Branagan, company safety training manager at Beatson Clark, said: "Matt views his position within Beatson Clark as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and develop in such a structured way, and one that could lead to a good future full of opportunities.

"He is a very good communicator, his work ethic is second to none and he has certainly risen to the challenges that come with the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship scheme.

"It is this kind of dedication we need coming into Beatson Clark: youngsters with drive, commitment and innovation to carry our high-tech business forward in an industry where specific skills are difficult to find.

"He is truly an ambassador for our business and for the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship scheme."

Beatson Clark plans to invest £16m over the next two years in plant and machinery at their Greasborough Road site as well as further developing a community based glass collection scheme. In February, the company recruited four apprentices as a part of their investment in the future.

Beatson Clark's internal training programme lasts from 12 to 18 months and covers every aspect of the business: the apprentices learn about glass making, packaging and quality procedures, but they also gain a good understanding of administrative areas such as sales, marketing, accounting and customer relations.

The manufacturer is committed to training more apprentices in the coming years. Ron added: "We view apprenticeships as an asset to our business, as the blend of on and off-the-job learning ensures that the apprentices gain the skills particular to the glass manufacturing industry.

"This gives them an excellent understanding of how each element of a business is integrated to make a successful company."

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark