Houghton International has taken on a cohort of new apprentices and trainees within its growing team in Newcastle.
Three new advanced engineering apprentices – Sam Gibson, Connor Lohan and Joe Rowan – and three trainees – Ryan Hutton, James Boon and Garry Bone – have joined the electromechanical engineering specialist in Walker.
Over the course of a four-year programme, the apprentices will attend classes at Tyne Met College whilst learning from Houghton’s experienced engineering workforce.
They will assist in repairing and maintaining electromechanical assets including AC and DC traction motors, motor alternator sets, HST alternators, DC line inductors and other auxiliary equipment and heavy repairs.
The three trainees will undertake a Level 2 NVQ in performing manufacturing operations, working with staff in the coil manufacturing division.
Thirteen per cent of Houghton International’s current workforce are apprentices. Only recently, five former apprentices were given full-time positions.
Michael Mitten, chief executive of Houghton International, said, ‘Investing in the future of our business is important in order to ensure we have the skills to continue to grow, particularly in our rail division where we are experiencing high demand for our solution driven engineering services.
‘Former apprentices have gone on to take on various roles within the company, including heads of division and sales managers.
‘At Houghton International everyone matters and we are committed to providing a high quality education offering apprentices a hands on working environment, the opportunity to earn while they learn and work towards becoming an integral part of the company’s future.’
Find out about apprenticeship and graduate opportunities in the UK rail industry at RailStudents.com
