15 new local apprentices join the Woodsmith Project

Over 500 applications for the positions at Anglo American Crop Nutrients were received for this year’s programme with 50 invited to an assessment day at its Resolution House office in Scarborough. The 15 new starters raise the number of apprentices on their workforce to 29, adding to the 14 recruited in September 2019.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming 15 new apprentices to Anglo American as we continue our drive to hire and develop a skilled local workforce for the long-term future of our project,” said Gareth Williams, operational readiness director.

“We have always been committed to employing as many local people as possible and this programme re-affirms that ambition. It’s a fantastic opportunity for any young person.

“As a British mining engineer myself, I feel privileged and honoured to be helping to train up the next generation of engineers as we continue the construction of this world class mine.”

The average age of this year’s apprentices is 19, with the majority joining straight from school, though it includes some more experienced candidates and those with higher education qualifications. All of the new cohort live locally to the project, with six from in and around Whitby, eight from Teesside, and one from Scarborough.

The firm’s advanced engineering technician apprenticeship programme aims to recruit and train around 50 apprentices over the coming years. The four-year year level 3 BTEC engineering course is run in partnership with the Teesside based TTE Technical, part of Middlesbrough College Group.

The first two years are based at TTE and focus on developing knowledge of electrical, mechanical and instrumentation engineering principles and putting these into practice. The remaining two years see the apprentices undertake work-based learning at one of our sites. The apprentices will also be supported to gain additional qualifications, including a Higher National Certificate (HNC).

Danny Taylor (23) from Scarborough, is now embarking on the third year of his course, which will see him learning on the job at the Woodsmith Mine Site near Whitby.

Danny said: “The second part of the course being on site at the Woodsmith Mine really appealed to me initially when I applied, now I’m even more excited to hopefully learn and develop even more in the next two years.

“The course has been fantastic so far and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an apprenticeship.”

Future recruitment programmes will open for applicants around the turn of the year. Further information is available at https://uk.angloamerican.com/apprenticeships