Atomising Systems celebrates sixteen years of apprenticeship programme
November 9, 2021
Atomising Systems Ltd. (ASL), Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK, has recruited six new apprentices for the upcoming academic year, reported to be the largest intake since the ASL apprenticeship scheme began in 2005. The courses on offer include Level 2, Level 3, and, for the first time at ASL, degree-level apprenticeships.
The current total workforce of eighty-six now includes nineteen employees who are working toward, or have already completed, their apprenticeships with ASL. These team members are spread throughout the production, technical, maintenance and quality departments.
Simon Dunkley, ASL Managing Director, stated, “The apprentice programme is a critical part of our business development strategy. It enables young people to achieve a nationally accredited qualification while also learning about ASL’s specialist manufacturing processes. It is gratifying to see that so many of our apprentices choose to continue their careers with ASL following the completion of their course.”
The new apprentices were recruited following the reorganisation of the ASL management team to cope with increasing levels of demand from international markets for its stainless steel and other metal powders. In addition to the promotion of three new production managers (two of whom are former apprentices), the entire management team has now achieved the ILM Level 3 certificate in management and has undergone ACAS Line Management training.
“During 2021, ASL has seen an unprecedented demand for our powders from around the world,” added Dunkley. “Despite the twin challenges of COVID and Brexit, the company has continued to grow, and the success of our apprenticeship programme has been one of the factors contributing to our success.”
A rolling programme of investments in system improvements and process capability is moving ahead to cope with the increasing demands of the export market, particularly in Europe and North America, which, combined, account for 95% of ASL shipments.
