Michelin has recruited its latest cohort of trainees under its long-standing annual apprenticeship programme, which started 95 years ago at its Stoke-on-Trent site.
Launched in 1927, Michelin’s apprenticeship programme is steeped in history and underpins the culture of the company overall, providing a springboard for trainees to start their careers.
It also provides an opportunity for people to progress into senior leadership roles, with a number of former apprentices now at managerial and directorial level.
For its 2022 intake, the company has taken on three new recruits in engineering roles, for a rigorous programme involving a mix of classroom, workshop and production site training at the JCB Academy, as well as at Michelin’s own Engineering Training Centre and factory in Stoke-on-Trent.
The three apprentices, Mike Ludford, aged 17, Elliott Pettitt, aged 17 and Marshall McGlen, aged 18, will learn about electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as pneumatics, steam and hydraulics.
They’ll also be taught about key environmental factors, such as recycling materials and energy saving, in-keeping with Michelin’s approach to sustainability.
Marshall, who studied for GCSEs at JCB Academy, said: “I wanted an engineering role at a good company.
“It’s very supportive at Michelin and a great place to learn. The whole focus is on quality and we are learning a great amount.”
Former Endon High School pupil, Elliot Petite, added: “I wanted a hands-on approach to learning about engineering. It’s been great so far and I’ve learnt a lot already in a short space of time.”
Mike Ludford, who attended Trentham High School, is following in his father’s footsteps as his dad – who joined Michelin as an apprentice – now works in IT at the Stoke site.
Mike said: “Pretty much every engineer I have met in North Staffordshire has been a Michelin apprentice and it’s a great start to have. The hands-on teaching and classroom learning is very good.”
The new recruits are being trained by Engineering Apprentice Manager Paul Lovatt, who also joined the company as an apprentice in 1980
Paul Lovatt said: “The apprentices will complete three to four years of training with the aim of preparing them to join the production site’s engineering maintenance team.
“The training is in-depth and will develop their engineering knowledge in disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic engineering so they are equipped to maintain the complex production plant and machinery.
“Historically the engineering apprenticeship has proven to be a sound foundation for peoples’ careers, and many have moved into many other areas of the business within Michelin, both here at Stoke and across the Michelin world-wide organisation.”
