UK apprentice competition: The search continues…

James Bogges of MGS Precision wins the accolade of the UK Manufacturing Apprentice of April and takes home £100 Amazon Vouchers as a reward.

James now qualifies for the AMI UK Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year 2018. The competition has been launched to find and recognise the very best apprentices currently working within the UK manufacturing industry. The initiative has been set up AMI, a web design & marketing agency that specialises in supporting UK manufacturing companies.

Richard Lawrence, Manager at MGS Precision, put James forward for this months accolade. “James is an enthusiastic and committed member of the business, always keen to learn and help with any tasks given to him.  Despite his age, James is keen to get involved and look for innovative ways of undertaking his role”, said Richard.

James Bogges (centre), April’s winner of the UK Manufacturing Apprentice competition / Picture: AMI

James is a third-year apprentice and part way to achieving his 5-year Advanced apprenticeship – Engineering Manufacture, Mechanical Manufacturing Level 3.  In addition to the practical work experience gained within MGS Precision, James also continues his academic studies at Stoke on Trent College.

As part of his apprenticeship, James has worked in all the individual sections across the company including tungsten pressing and machining, aerospace and Formula 1 machining and the general industrial power machine shop.  James has displayed desire and capability to join the milling team once qualified and specialise in 5 axis, horizontal and vertical machining.

Richard added, “For such a young person, his communication skills and professionalism are a credit to him. He is and will continue to be a valued member of the team and his future within MGS Precision is looking very bright”.

MGS Precision has been actively training apprentices for over 10 years and James is the latest in a long line of success stories.  Despite the uncertainties surrounding the new Apprentice Levy legislation, MGS has continued to invest in the programme and recently partnered Stoke on Trent College in delivering a bespoke Apprenticeship.

The course enables students to initially receive intensive, off the job training at Stoke on Trent College, in basic practical mechanical skills before returning to the business. Once in the company, the apprentice will follow a structured programme over a period of 3 years before deciding on a speciality area.

Tom Green, Managing Director at MGS Precision concluded: “For a business such as MGS, where professionalism and engineering excellence are key to its success, developing our own staff is vital. Apprenticeships offer the company the opportunity to develop young people for its current and future needs ensuring the apprentice receives first class training and the chance of a life long association with an excellent business.”