KMF celebrate apprentice graduations
KMFs fourth-year Engineering Technology apprentices have passed their final apprenticeship exams. As part of the 2019 apprentice graduation ceremony, they celebrated at Stafford County Showground, collecting their certificates in front of KMF training staff, friends and their families.
George Jones, Dan Bradbury and Jon Sharman (left to right) have all completed 4-year engineering apprenticeships at KMF's sheet metal fabrication facility in Newcastle-under-Lyme, following a rotational training schedule across the manufacturing site.
All have gained the necessary academic qualifications to operate KMF's leading CNC machinery and fabrication equipment to fulfil customer production to the highest standard.
They have also taken part in a broader community project to help develop project management, presentation and networking skills.
For example, Dan Bradbury is a crucial member of the apprentice team manufacturing a full-size stainless-steel spitfire sculpture for the centre of Stoke-on-Trent.
George has also led the delivery of STEM engagement and activity in local primary and secondary schools over the last 12 months.
The formal apprentice awards ceremony, organised annually by Stoke & Staffordshire LEP celebrated approximately 200 apprentices from across Staffordshire.
The event featured talks from Karen Dobson OBE, Principal of Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group and KMF's training and development manager, Jenny Johnston.
Jenny commented: "I feel extremely proud of George, Dan and Jon for graduating today. They have all worked extremely hard throughout their 4-year apprenticeship, going beyond the compulsory elements of the course and throwing themselves into whatever KMF has tasked them with.
I may be biased, but I believe that apprenticeships offer the best opportunities for the future, secure jobs with top employers, good qualifications and no debt. My apprentices have the chance to now complete a degree apprenticeship with five years of real engineering experience at the age of 21, a huge benefit in comparison to traditional graduates.
Apprentices questions and enthusiasm allow KMF and their departments to continue to develop and ensures we have a sustainable-talent pool of highly-skilled, technology-led engineers to meet future growth ambitions."
The fabrication companies apprentice scheme, which moved in-house in 2007, offers young people aged 16-18 the opportunity to gain level 2 and level 3 qualification in engineering technology or engineering technician apprenticeships.
KMF also sponsor the event alongside Staffordshire County Council, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group and Acacia.
The KMF Group is a leading sheet metal fabrication and precision engineering company with manufacturing facilities across the UK and Europe, partnering with global OEMs from multiple industry sectors.