Thatcham-based transmission technology company Xtrac has received royal recognition for the “extremely high standard” of its apprenticeship scheme, which started more than 25 years ago, shortly after the business was founded in 1984.
The firm, which now boasts more than 350 employees, was congratulated by Patricia Stringfellow MBE, who chairs the Princess Royal Training Awards Commission.
Stringfellow has written to Xtrac apprentice manager Warren Page, who has served as a member of the City & Guilds-sponsored Industry Skills Board for the past four years, saying: “I am delighted to inform you that HRH The Princess Royal has confirmed your award.
“Once again, this year, the standard of applications was extremely high.”
The Princess Royal Training Awards, delivered by the international City & Guilds Group, which operates in more than 100 countries, are now in their third year.
Each of the 90 applications was assessed against three hallmarks of excellence by the awards commission, which includes HRH The Princess Royal and seven leading figures in the business and training community.
Xtrac head of human resources Jane Gilham, who has represented the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) in meetings with UK parliamentary committees and at 10 Downing Street, said: “The impact on the business of the 56 apprentices who have undertaken our SEMTA-approved advanced apprenticeship in mechanical engineering in conjunction with Newbury College, and additionally 60 engineering undergraduates, who have studied at various UK universities, is a steady flow of skilled young people for our cutting-edge design and manufacturing operations.”
Mr Page said: “By the end of the training all participants have significantly improved capability, not only technical, but also personal development, which features highly in the programme.
“Even 10 years after completing their apprenticeships, we retain 85% of these youngsters as highly-valued technicians and professional engineers.
“Indeed, our first apprentice, Simon Short, now heads our transmission build and overhaul facility at our US company based in Indianapolis.”
Xtrac has won the 2018 standard of excellence award for the contribution its apprenticeship programme makes to the business.
Read the full article on the Newbury Today website: https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/business/25498/royal-salute-for-xtrac-apprentices.html
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