When you’re an apprentice you get paid and train at the same time, gaining valuable hands-on experience working whilst you learn, helping you become fully competent in your chosen occupation.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week and we’re taking a closer look at our apprenticeships, from those training, through to the employers working with us.
Dynex Semiconductor Ltd is one of the employers we work with to develop our apprenticeship programmes – it has been running apprenticeships for 60 years.
The company designs, develops, manufactures and maintains high-power semiconductors and power assemblies’ products.
Its products are used in a variety of industries including transportation; electric grid; renewable energy; electric vehicle and industrial.
Becky Plows, HR advisor at the company, said they chose Lincoln College for a range of reasons.
“We chose Lincoln College as they are a great learning provider and are local to our site in Lincoln enabling our employees to access support easily whilst attending work,” she said.
“The college offers the courses relevant to our business, which over the years has helped us to attract and retain talented individuals to Dynex.”
A number of employees from the company have completed apprenticeship programmes on a range of subjects, whilst many continue to do so. The company currently has ten apprentices and is hoping to recruit several more over the coming months to join their 2021 programme.
“Over the years, we have had many employees who began studying as an apprentice and have gone on to complete a HNC and HND,” said Becky. “Our apprentices range from Business Administration; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Manufacturing Engineering; Electro technical – Installation and Maintenance; Plumbing and Heating.”
Becky says the company’s highly knowledgeable team members who have many years of experience within the industry, work closely to develop the talent and skills of the apprentices.
“We have the opportunity to develop aspiring individuals who are passionate about their chosen career path and work with them as they develop. We have a number of success stories of employees who have completed an apprenticeship with us and continued with a successful career at Dynex.”
And the company offers all its apprentices specific support to help them balance their job roles and study.
“Communication is key to finding the right balance between practical work experience and studying to learn the industry,” said Becky. “We give our apprentice a designated mentor who supports and guides them in that balance. In addition, the HR team regularly check to see how they are doing and work closely with the college should there be any concerns.”
“We maintain regular contact with the college to monitor progression, whilst actively reviewing feedback through their dedicated mentor and line manager. As part of the apprentice’s employment at Dynex, we have annual Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) which is an opportunity for both the apprentice and their line manager to provide feedback and raise any concerns they may have.”
Becky said apprenticeships are a major contributor to their business and help drive growth.
“Apprenticeships are key to our business, they help generate new ideas, new product development and support continual improvement. We encourage our people to shape their own future through career development opportunities and hands-on experiences.”
If you are thinking about apprenticeships, find out more on our courses and apprenticeships page here
