Dresser-Rand adds to apprentice count

Andrew Claxton, James Steen, Paul Barton, Joshua Lee and Chris Henderson, pictured here from left to right, joined the company in october. Following an induction process at the factory and offices, the new recruits began their training programme at Peterborough Regional College. They will be undertaking a variety of courses including the engineering foundation course covering milling, turning, fabrication, fitting and electrics. In addition to their studies, the new apprentices will also spend at least one day a week in the company for work experience. Sue Harvey, HR officer and apprentice co-ordinator for Dresser-Rand, which makes engineered-to order equipment for the energy industry, said: “We recognise the need to invest in people to secure the future of our business. Each year the process of selecting the apprentices gets harder and harder as more people apply and the standard of applicants gets higher.” Thirty applicants, along with their parents, were selected to attend an open day back in April. During the visit the applicants sat an assessment test and had a guided tour of the factory and offices. From the results of the assessment test, 12 candidates were called in for interviews and a further test before the final five were chosen. The company currently has 20 people working through the apprentice programme and intends to recruit further apprentices next year.