Let's shake on it: apprentices get a chance at Bevisol (From Ledbury Reporter)

Let's shake on it: apprentices get a chance at Bevisol

9:10am Friday 5th October 2012 in Ledbury

LEDBURY drinks firm Bevisol has set up an apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with Hereford College of Technology.

The company, which designs and produces alcoholic drinks for a wide range of national and international customers, was set up 18 months ago and is now expanding after securing long-term contracts with a number of key customers.

It employs 20 staff.

Managing director Chris Newall said: “Having increased our workforce by 50 per cent in 2012, we wanted to provide opportunities for young people who are finding it increasingly difficult in the current jobs market.

“The nature of the work at Bevisol is highly specialised and so we wanted to find a scheme that would enable young people to gain valuable job experience while studying for a professional qualification. We therefore teamed up with Hereford College of Technology, which operates a superb apprenticeship scheme that is tailor made to the requirements of local businesses.”

Mike Figlak, of Ledbury, is now Bevisol’s first young apprentice engineer, studying a college course in mechanical maintenance engineering, while developing his craft at Bevisol under the guidance of engineering manager, Dave Sparrey.

“Mike spends three days a week with Bevisol and two at college, leading to a BTEC engineering in a couple of years and hopefully a permanent position with us” said Mr Sparrey.