Sandland invests in apprenticeships that are 'better than interviews'

As part of the Ladder for the Black Country campaign, Sandland Packaging is working with PTP Training in Walsall on the recruitment of apprentices and establishing the best fit apprenticeship standard for the business.

Sandland at Phoenix Industrial Estate, Loxdale Street, has been going through a period of growth which has also led to investment in a new hi-tech finishing machine for its cardboard boxes.

The equipment is at present on the seas making its way over from China.

The company, established more than 30 years ago, has recently taken on 16-year-old Kai Harper on the Lean Manufacturing Operative L2 Apprenticeship and he will be learning how to operate the new hi-tech equipment

Sandland, which currently employs 95, is also giving the opportunity to two trainees to prove themselves with the prospect of being taken on as apprentices.

Sandland managing director Martin Hickman said: "Kai is a picking things up quickly and in training on our existing machines and will work on the new one when it is installed."

The traineeship programme at the business will start next month.

Kevin Newell, Walsall-based project manager for engineering and construction at PTP, said that traineeship programmes were a brilliant way for employers to work with training providers and find the prospective apprentice that they need.

"They are better than just interviews. A few weeks of work experience tells an employer a lot about the communication skills and how well the potential apprentices get on with other people," he explained.

The Ladder team works with businesses to find the right apprentice to meet their needs.

Any businesses in engineering and construction looking to take on apprentices or young people interested in finding out about existing apprenticeship opportunities can contact Mr Newell on 07734 814 903 or e-mail: kevin.newell@ptp-training.co.uk