It’s a sweet end to the year for newly-qualified engineer Sam Boswell.
Sam, 22 from Wythenshawe is the second engineering apprentice to complete the scheme run by Manchester peanut butter, jams and spreads manufacturer Duerr’s. Following a four year programme, Sam has now earned his Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture.
The Duerr’s Food Manufacturing Apprenticeship scheme sees young people gain industry recognised qualifications, including a BTEC in Engineering Operations & Maintenance, NVQ in Engineering Maintenance and HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. Last year, Tom Heppenstall was the first to graduate from the initiative and now Sam has followed in his footsteps.
Apprentices complement classroom learning with on the job experience, working across various parts of the Duerr’s manufacturing process under the guidance of experienced engineering mentors.
Sam came to Duerr’s aged 18 in 2011 and has since completed a number of work-based projects as part of his training, whilst attending Trafford College one day a week to gain his qualifications. Following his recent graduation, Sam is now employed by Duerr’s on a full time basis as Junior Food Manufacturing Engineer in their peanut butter production facility on Dallimore Road.
Sam comments: “The Duerr’s apprenticeship has given me qualifications that will stand me in good stead for the rest of my working life, while also setting me on a career path.
“Working as well as learning was perfect for me as I was able to take my classroom learnings and immediately put them into practice in a working environment, with the guidance of my various mentors. For the most part it’s been smooth sailing, but there have been some crunchy moments too – it’s great to be working here full-time now.”
Mark Duerr, Managing Director at Duerr’s, says: “As a family business, we treat everyone who works for us as one of our own. That’s why we are especially keen to nurture and develop young people and set them up for a long association with us.
“Having an apprentice scheme lets us provide the training and development that turns a raw recruit into someone well equipped with the knowledge to succeed.”
Newly graduated engineering apprentice, Sam Boswell