Apprenticeships paying off in chemicals industries

London – The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) is highlighting how apprenticeships have had a complete change of image over the last few years, and now offer exciting opportunities to those seeking a high skilled career full of prospects. Employers, it says, increasingly recognise that training people through an apprenticeship programme is the most competitive and efficient way for their business to grow stronger.

The chemical and pharmacuetical businesses are just one example of a sector who are giving talented youngsters a lift up the career ladder through modern apprenticeship, said the CIA. There’s a good range of apprenticeships to choose, including engineering, environmental protection, laboratory research, sales, marketing, health and safety, policy experts, accounts, electricians.

The industry group cites the views of Kayleigh Hynd, who joined an apprenticeship scheme after leaving school, and is now working as an instrument/electrical apprentice at INEOS in Grangemouth Scotland. She believes apprenticeships have an important part to play in ensuring better future career in the chemical industry.

“Apprenticeships are well promoted here at [INEOS], so I heard about the programme from a friend of my mother’s who works here, I was immediately intrigued by the prospects of getting qualified whilst earning money. I had to ask myself do I go onto college and get qualified?’, or “do I join an apprenticeship” she says. “I knew I wanted to start working and joining an apprenticeship allowed me to do both.”

Hynd has no regrets about opting to work instead of studying for a degree. “I feel it’s a lot better to be able to provide for myself and learn while getting paid, instead of learning while going into debt.

“For the first year its all classroom based. Then for the next two years its 4 days work based and 1 day at college. I/E apprentices also do two nights at college. For the last year it is all work based and it’s all paid”

While working at INEOS, Hynd joined the CIA Future Forum which is there to discuss, debate and engage with others on industry related issues that are critical to society’s needs. “It’s a way for young people like me to learn more and also work towards improving the industry.”