Family firm Burnhouse Engineering had successfully utilised apprenticeships to train employees and currently has two Modern Apprentices and a Graduate Apprentice among its 16 employees.

The latest recruit, Amanveer Singh Gill, age 20, started employment with the firm on 1st August. His four-year Graduate Apprenticeship at the University of Strathclyde is based on a hybrid model of work-based and formal education. He will receive on-the-job training at their workshop in Glengarnock, while being provided with weekly study leave and attend the campus monthly from September 2022.

Amanveer said of the role: “I have always had ambitions to become an Engineer and have studied previously at the University of Toronto in Canada. I saw the advert for the position with Burnhouse Engineering online and thought being able to learn on the job while qualifying for the degree was the perfect mix. It is also helpful that I live locally, so it is a win-win all round.”

The company provides engineering design and manufacturing services and has adopted a policy to recruit and develop a young workforce through training and education. It has already had remarkable success with Christopher Burwood, 21, completing a BEng in Engineering and Manufacturing Design at Strathclyde University in June 2022. He is now collaborating with customers to provide custom-designed engineering services and is a specialist in specialist pipework design and fabrication to ASME pipework quality standards.

Jimmy Burwood, managing director, said of his experience of employing Graduate Apprentices: “I am a believer in bringing on talent and giving young people the chance to learn. I volunteer with Scouts and the local Rotary Club and have seen first-hand that when you give young people the chance to learn in a positive environment, it has a lifelong benefit to them. Adopting a policy of employing and investing in apprenticeships, at any level, is a no brainer for Burnhouse Engineering as we also derive such great benefits from an educated and motivated young workforce.”