Cheshire manufacturer announces apprenticeship partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group

Cheshire manufacturer Cygnet Texkimp has announced an apprenticeship training and recruitment partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group.

The partnership comes as the Northwich-based firm welcomes four new apprentices (pictured left toright: Aaron Maymon, Javier Roberts, Harry Hackett and Connor Cheevers) . Trainees will alongside experienced engineers and fitters at the company’s Innovation Centre, where it develops machines to process high value fibres, including carbon fibre used in the automotive and aerospace industries. The apprenticeship programme will also include study at Trafford College and Stockport College to further develop their theoretical and practical skills in electrical and mechanical engineering, including machining.

For the first time, Cygnet Texkimp has appointed one of this year’s apprentices as part of an apprentice recruitment programme spearheaded by the colleges’ engineering departments and dedicated Apprenticeship Team, which work closely with employers to match students with apprenticeships.

Andy McCampbell, Operations Director at Cygnet Texkimp, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome our new apprentices and begin our partnership with the Trafford & Stockport College Group. The colleges have been extremely collaborative in their approach to working with us, including encouraging our own technical teams to contribute to the training process. Their commitment to supporting these young apprentices as they begin their careers is clearly evident and the partnership is shaping up to be a valuable opportunity for everyone involved.

“This is an exciting time to be an apprentice at Cygnet Texkimp. We’re widely recognised as one of the world’s leading technology specialists in composites and advanced materials, and one of very few manufacturers with equivalent machine capability and expertise. Our machines are being used around the world to process valuable fibres and materials that go into manufacturing lighter, more fuel-efficient and sustainable vehicles as well as enabling hydrogen and wind power.”

Coral Aspinall, Engineering Department Programme Leader based at Stockport College, said:

“Our aim is to improve the future of engineering across the North West by bridging the gap between employers and colleges. We’ve been working closely with employers for several years to place students in apprenticeships that are a great fit and then support both parties through the years to ensure success.

“Not only do our students learn technical skills; they’re also developing important work-ready skills, including reliability, resilience, confidence and self-discipline, that make them valuable employees and colleagues.

“It’s been great to work with the team at Cygnet Texkimp, who are actively committed to ensuring these apprentices have the best possible training opportunities and experiences.”