As one of the largest private sector employers in the region, the innovative PPE business is adding more recruits to its prestigious apprenticeship programme for young people.
Alpha Solway, part of the innovative, international PPE manufacturer Globus Group, is creating a new wave of apprenticeships, boosting career opportunities for young people across the south of Scotland following the Covid-19 pandemic.
With over 30 years’ heritage, the leading Scottish manufacturer has introduced multiple positions to its scheme including electrical and mechanical apprenticeships following a period of rapid expansion for the company. This comes after Alpha Solway announced a commitment to help local communities recover from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alpha Solway currently employs hundreds of workers across its sites in Annan and Dumfries, with further 300 jobs being created at its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Gilnockie Business Park, Dumfries.
The highly sought-after apprenticeship roles at Alpha Solway have been created to encourage young talent to the business, as it continues to fulfil its sector-leading commitment to become a net zero business by 2027 and ensure that all European-made products launched after 2024 are net zero.
Gary Gillespie, Head of Engineering at Alpha Solway, said:“Our talented and dedicated employees are the heartbeat of Alpha Solway, and these new opportunities are designed to offer young people quality training as well as important lifelong social and business skills.
“We’re absolutely committed to helping bright hard-working young people from the local community develop and build fulfilling careers for the long term.
“With the company continuing to introduce innovative new products and increased technology capabilities, we believe now is the ideal time to start our apprentices and future engineers on that journey.”
Recent Alpha Solway apprentice recruits include:
Jack Templeman, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Apprentice
Turning 18, Jack was unfortunately furloughed from his previous job as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold across the UK. Not wanting to ‘sit in the house all day’, Jack applied for a role at Alpha Solway.
He explained: “The new job allowed me to do my bit in helping the country during this global crisis, it was all a bit of a whirlwind. I like solving problems, all things mechanical, and have since been offered one of the roles available as an apprentice engineer which has allowed me to pursue the career I had always wanted. I’m picking up so much knowledge from the people supporting me here it’s a great environment to work in.”
He explained: “The new job allowed me to do my bit in helping the country during this global crisis, it was all a bit of a whirlwind. I like solving problems, all things mechanical, and have since been offered one of the roles available as an apprentice engineer which has allowed me to pursue the career I had always wanted. I’m picking up so much knowledge from the people supporting me here it’s a great environment to work in.”Connor Smith, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Apprentice
Joining Alpha Solway at its Dumfries factory in October 2020, 25-year-old Connor quickly proved he had the dedication and ability to help manufacture vital PPE to frontline workers during the pandemic.
He said: “I soon realised how important this work was and just how dedicated Alpha Solway is to providing critical PPE to the NHS to combat the pandemic – I had been thinking about a job within Engineering, enjoyed operating the equipment, so there was no hesitation in applying when an apprenticeship role opened up.
“Each day at Alpha Solway brings a new experience, it’s really interesting work with a wide range of individual skill sets to learn from. I’ve been lucky enough to find the ideal opportunity with a local employer and its satisfying to know they have invested in my career.
For others looking at apprenticeship options, I’d definitely say don’t hold back, just go for it.”
Greg Wilson, Electrical Engineering Apprentice
Greg’s dream to follow an electrical trade career was fulfilled in the summer last year when he successfully secured a role in Alpha Solway’s apprenticeship program.
The 21-year-old explained: “I had always wanted to go down the electrical career route but had struggled to find anything. I’m a hands-on learner and this apprenticeship has offered me the perfect opportunity to develop my skills, working on-site has also provided me with valuable people skills.
“Once I complete my apprenticeship, I hope to go into the renewable energy sector and I’m so grateful to Alpha Solway enabling me to gain the desired knowledge for this. Apprenticeship schemes allow people to work and learn within your trade at the same time, and will help me achieve my goal of a lifelong career in something I enjoy.”
