Kawasaki Precision Machinery UK

Plymouth

Rachel Suggett

Human Resources & Training Manager

Few apprentices are as fortunate as those at Kawasaki Precision Machinery UK. For while their counterparts in other organisations might be feeling vulnerable in this challenging financial climate, the Plymouth-based company feels highly protective towards them and sees them as vital to its future.

“We’ve invested a lot of time and money in training them,” says Rachel Suggett, the company’s Human Resources & Training Manager.

“We’re dedicated to apprentices. If we didn’t have them training and learning, we wouldn’t have a future.”

That dedication has been rewarded, as more than 20 apprentices have remained with the company after their training – following in the footsteps of the General Manager who was an apprentice himself 30 years ago.

“It’s very important to develop young people, particularly in manufacturing,” says Rachel. “Because we make niche products, it’s important we grow our skills in-house.

“Apprenticeships allow young people to get a grasp of the workplace and what it’s all about. They get a chance to earn while they learn, and we can nurture our own talent.”

She cites the example of Emma Moses, 21, who is doing a four-year apprenticeship as a maintenance electrician through City College Plymouth.

“We saw a spark in her, forgive the pun. This industry is traditionally male-dominated and we’d never had a female in that department before.

“They took her under their wing and she instantly gained an equal amount of respect from the rest of the team.

“She excelled in her NVQ and we’ve given her extra modules. She’s been very pro-active and gone out to get more evidence for her assessments without us even prompting her.

“Emma’s very determined – a real breath of fresh air. The maintenance team has been in situ for a long time so there’s a real need to develop apprentices to suit our specific maintenance requirements.

“She represents us as a company at the college. We couldn’t ask any more of her. Because she’s doing so well and is so willing, that’s a very good reflection on us. As a company ambassador, she’s really top-notch.”

Rachel says Emma has completed her B.Tech, almost finished her NVQ3, is going for her HNC, and has been nominated as a VQ hero for the South West.

“City College Plymouth is always quick to react to any issues we have,” she says. “We work very closely with them.

Emma, who works on machine tools and site installations, says she’d heartily recommend an apprenticeship to other young people.

“It’s on-the-job training, so you’re not just stuck in a classroom all the time,” she says. “You get two different types of people you’re learning with.

“It’s been really good for me. When I started here it was a matter of proving myself to people who said I couldn’t do it – and I’ve been proving them wrong every day since!

“I get hands-on experience and get to meet a lot of new people. It boosts your confidence as well, as you have to deal with a lot of people from different backgrounds.

“The maintenance department is a very good group of people. And the college have been great. Whenever you have a problem, there are always lecturers available to talk things through with you.”

City College Plymouth