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Coachman Caravans appoint new apprentices
October 01, 2008
Coachman Caravans, one of the UK's leading caravan manufacturers, has extended its successful apprenticeship programme with the appointment of two new trainees - Ashley Braimbridge and Ryan Baron.
Ashley, a former Trinity House pupil and Ryan, a former Wolfreton School pupil, were chosen from over 60 applicants to follow in the footsteps of last year's recruits Robbie Cheeseman and Calum Smith. The new apprentices, both 16, took up their roles this September and will spend three years on the training programme whilst undertaking a nationally recognised Construction Diploma at Hull College one day each week.
Coachman launched its first ever apprenticeship programme in September 2007 to offer local teenagers the opportunity to learn the craft of caravan making. The new appointees will be given the opportunity to learn from some of Coachman's most experienced staff members and will gain a rounded knowledge of the company by spending time in each department throughout the Sutton Fields based factory.
The apprentices will be continually assessed, receiving feedback on their ability and performance each month from production director Alan Roberts and personnel manager Diane McDermid.
"We are delighted with the success of the apprenticeship programme", said Alan Roberts. "Our first ever apprentices have done very well over the past year, so based on their performance, we decided to keep the programme running".
In their first week, the boys were eased into factory life by spending some time in Coachman's after sales department, where they received hands on experience of making their own tool boxes. Over the next three years Ashley and Ryan will work in all areas of the factory - including the de-greasing, despatch, cab shop and prep shop, where they will gain practical experience when possible. Ashley has already started his training in the cabinet shop and Ryan is gaining experience on the furniture gang.
Prior to starting the apprenticeship programme, Ashley and Ryan attended an open day, where they took a tour of the factory with their parents and met with Jim Hibbs, Managing Director of Coachman and last year's apprentices. "I'm pleased to be welcoming two new apprentices to the Coachman team", said Jim Hibbs. "We have some of the most experienced professionals in the business so they will be learning their trade and skills from the best. I hope they enjoy learning about all the departments in the company and I'm looking forward to watching them develop over the next three years. I'm sure they will be taking some sound advice from last year's apprentices too."
Reg. No. 2014660 England & Wales VAT No. GB 450 6364 59
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