Finning is offering people of all ages the opportunity to become fully trained engineers through its award-winning apprenticeship scheme.

As well as the chance to learn all the skills needed while on the job, Finning apprentices benefit from earning 39 per cent more than the national minimum wage for training schemes. And the latest retention rates showed that over 90% of apprentices were employed by the firm on successful completion of their apprenticeship – compared to the national average of under 60%.

As Finning is the authorised dealer of Cat^® equipment, parts and service in the UK and Ireland, many apprentices will get the chance to learn how to dismantle and reassemble the machinery the brand is known for.

With apprentice roles available in the UK and Ireland, the company is looking to fill 24 positions in Winsford, Cannock, Llantrisant, Peterborough, Glasgow, Ashford, Chesterfield, Leeds, Lisburn, Nanpean and Dublin.

The apprenticeship scheme is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, from school leavers up to people seeking a mid-life career change. Finning is an equal opportunities employer, proactive in supporting women in engineering positions, as well as being Disability Confident committed and is signed up to the Armed Forces covenant.

Currently there are 62 apprentices at Finning working to complete the four-year apprenticeship programme. For 44-year-old Ahad Miah the apprentice scheme has given him the chance to restart his career.

He explains: “As an older apprentice, I’d approached several companies in the hope somebody would give me the opportunity to learn new skills. Having looked on the website I could see how inclusive Finning were and that I could have a real chance if I was to apply. 

“I’ve felt supported from the very moment I submitted my application. Before the interview process, I was extremely nervous, having not had an interview in over 20 years. I was reassured every step of the way. The support continues now, even as an employed apprentice. If I ever have any problems, there is always somewhere to turn.

“In the short time, I have been with Finning I feel like I’m already part of the team and starting to make a difference. I would 100 per cent recommend the Finning apprenticeship scheme. I felt like no one was willing to give me a chance, but I’ve been given a great opportunity, even at the ripe old age of 44.” 

As with all apprenticeship schemes, the salary rises year-on-year in line with skill development. On successful completion of the scheme, an apprentice with Finning will be offered a permanent position within the company, along with further opportunities to progress their career.

Within Finning a number of former apprentices have gone on to hold senior roles, including Service Operations Director Iain Carpenter who began his career with Finning as an apprentice in Glasgow.

Craig Smallman, Apprenticeships Quality Manager at Finning, is a former apprentice himself and believes the quality of the in-house training sets the scheme apart.

He said: “There are so many great people that have come through the apprenticeship programme. It’s a great fit if you are interested in engineering and learning. The Finning scheme highlights the importance of education, as well as on the job experience, and supports apprentices with whatever they need to succeed within the company.

“Employees are well looked after and will get out what they put in; if apprentices are ready to work and interested in learning they will reap the rewards. If you want to succeed, Finning is the place to work.”

To take the first step on a rewarding engineering career with the world’s largest Caterpillar dealer apply now online.

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