A new industry-backed apprenticeship scheme is being developed to help safeguard the future of North Staffordshire’s ceramics sector.
James Munro, production manager at Emma Bridgewater, is leading the creation of an 18-month Level 3 Craft Technician: Ceramics apprenticeship after raising concerns that many of the area’s skilled workers are nearing retirement.
James, who joined the Hanley-based pottery firm six years ago, said the idea grew from the realisation that many of the most experienced workers in traditional clay roles were approaching the end of their careers.
He said: “I was a relatively young manager when I started at Emma Bridgewater – I was 33 at the time – and I realised that all the people at the clay end, all the skilled heritage jobs, were coming to the end of their working lives.
“I thought that if I still wanted to be here in 10 or 20 years, I needed to do something to bring people into the industry.”
Last year he issued a ‘call to arms’ on LinkedIn, asking ceramics firms if they would be interested in collaborating on a shared apprenticeship programme – and was met with a positive response.
Industry body Ceramics UK became involved and connected him with Skills England and training provider Creative Alliance, which will oversee Ofsted requirements, governance and work with employers to deliver the training.
The apprenticeship has been designed by the industry for the industry, with businesses including 1882 Ltd, Burleigh, Portmeirion, Steelite, Phoenix Tile Studio, Fortune Brands Innovations, Silverdale Bathrooms and Craven Dunnill Jackfield contributing to its development.
James, who began his career in roof tile manufacturing at Marley in Keele before moving to Ibstock as a specialist production manager, said: “The demise of the ceramics industry locally has been well-documented, and youth pathways have fallen by the wayside, although there are some firms who have invested in development.
“The development of the new apprenticeship has been driven by industry as this is an industry-wide concern. We have got to work together to do this.”
The programme is expected to launch in May and aims to recruit at least six apprentices a year, with companies currently being asked to commit to taking on trainees.
The course will cover the entire ceramics process, from raw materials through to packaging, with the aim of producing what James describes as ‘ceramics all-rounders’.
Specialist input will come from Global Ceramic Materials, which will teach about clay bodies, Vibrantz – formerly Ferro – which will focus on glaze, and freelance mould maker Mark Marchant.
James, who is currently completing a Level 7 apprenticeship with the Open University, said the first eight months of the programme have already been mapped out, with the remaining content now being shaped.
The apprenticeship will be funded through the apprenticeship levy, with non-levy paying employers making a small contribution. Other potential sources of financial support are also being explored.
Vacancies will be advertised through participating organisations, Creative Alliance and the Government’s apprenticeship website.
Businesses interested in taking part in the scheme or learning more can contact James at jamesmunro@emmabridgewater.co.uk
