As part of National Apprenticeship Week, which commences on the 6 February, KMF (Precision Sheet Metal) is holding an open day on Wednesday 8 February to allow students and parents the opportunity to see how a modern engineering apprenticeship can deliver a worthwhile career with lots of potential.

With a cumulative increase in turnover of 50 per cent over the last two years KMF (Precision Sheet Metal) has also dramatically increased the number of employees to over 350. In addition to recruiting existing skilled workers it has also focused on developing its own skills base through apprenticeships and this year it is looking to employ an additional 16 apprentices.

To aid that recruitment process it is hosting two open days, the first of these being on Wednesday 8 February, between 12:00 and 20:00. "These open days will provide a fantastic opportunity for parents/guardians and students to get a first-hand look at the potential that a career in engineering can provide," says Jenny Conlon, KMF's Training Centre Manager. "They will get to see the factory in operation, witness the level of investment and technology that is employed at KMF and be able to chat with apprentice training staff, current apprentices and get an understanding of the Advanced Apprenticeship on offer at KMF."

During the open day, in addition to talking about apprenticeships, students will be able to 'try before they buy' and under close supervision will help design and manufacture, using CNC machine tools a memento that they can take away with them.

KMF has been delivering engineering apprenticeships for over 4 years now, making full use of its state-of-the-art on-site training centre, where fully qualified teaching staff are employed by the company to ensure that KMF apprentices are at the top of their peer group. For 2012 KMF will be offering two levels of apprenticeship for 16 year-olds there is the opportunity to complete a full four-year apprenticeship, and for older students a two year apprenticeship is available.

Upon completion of either a two or four year Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship KMF's apprentices have further opportunities to study for their HNC and HND qualifications with the potential to lead onto Management training courses, along with a full time position within their manufacturing facility. With the increase in cost of university education, this provides a fully-funded way into higher education and the future career prospects that this brings.

"These open days provide KMF with a perfect opportunity to explain the fantastic potential that can be tapped into through an engineering apprentice and when students and parents hear and see for themselves what a modern manufacturing environment has to offer, I am sure that the events will be a success in terms of generating interest in engineering as a career."

The first open day on Wednesday 8 February will be followed by a second on Wednesday 18 April. Students wishing to consider an engineering apprenticeship need to achieve certain academic, these being for a two year advanced apprenticeship a minimum of the following:

• NVQ Level 2 in an Engineering Discipline
• BTEC Diploma in an Engineering Discipline or Level 2 Engineering Technical Certificate
• Minimum of 5 GCSE's at grade C or above including Maths & Science
• Minimum of 2 A-Levels at grade C or above preferably including either Maths or Science

For a 4 year advanced apprenticeship:

• A minimum of 5 GCSE's at grade C or above including Maths & Science

There is no need to book an appointment, the doors will be open from 12:00 until 20:00 and more information can be found at www.kmf.co.uk/apprenticeships.html as well as on Facebook and Twitter.