Fords celebrates trio of apprentices

Sidmouth based Fords South West Ltd is celebrating a trio of apprentices as it continues its commitment to providing opportunities for young people through its apprenticeship scheme. The newest Fords recruit, 16-year old Giles Richards from Honiton, is just beginning his electrical apprenticeship.

He’ll be spending four days a week learning on the job with one day a week at DCET Exeter Training Centre. Giles follows in the footsteps of 23-year old Bobby Crofts from Colaton Raleigh who has just completed his three and a half year apprenticeship at Fords.

Bobby is now a qualified electrician and will be staying on at Fords to further his skills and work experience. The final Fords’ apprentice, 17-year old Josh Baker from Ottery St Mary, is one year into his three-year plumbing apprenticeship.

He’s currently studying a domestic plumbing and heating course on day release at PGL Exeter whilst working on the job.

Headquartered in Sidmouth, Fords South West Ltd recruits local tradespeople to deliver its full trades service across East Devon. With over 65 staff the company is committed to providing opportunities for local youngsters to help them get into the trades industry.

Dave Whelan, Operations Director, comments: “Like most businesses, our success is built on the quality of the people. Our apprenticeship scheme is a key part of our success story, with talented and committed local youngsters being given opportunities to learn their trade and develop within the company.”

“These are the engineers and tradespeople of the future so it is important to give them opportunities to get started.” Further apprenticeship opportunities will soon become available following the company’s recent acquisition by Sidmouth-based Clearvac International.

Apprentice Josh adds: “I’m grateful to Fords for giving me the opportunity to train and qualify as a plumber. I first did some work experience at the company and was so keen to get into the plumbing trade I kept in touch until an apprentice vacancy became available. It’s great to be earning a wage whilst learning a trade and developing a career.”

Fords South West Ltd is the second largest employer in Sidmouth. Its staff include qualified heating engineers, plumbers and electricians.