Kesslers International views Apprenticeships as one of the keys to the company’s survival and growth in a competitive marketplace.
George Kessler CBE, Group Deputy Chairman says: ‘We have found apprentices bring three key benefits to our business. Firstly, they bring the most up to date craft skills to business through their external training. Secondly, they invigorate longer standing members of staff with their curiosity and enthusiasm. Thirdly, they carry on the tradition of craft skills which enable our company to produce a better product. Our plant is high tech and the benefits of our considerable and constant investment cannot be realised without a highly skilled work force. Their input ensures that our company retains its edge as a flexible and cost effective quality manufacturer, essential for our survival in a competitive marketplace’.
Inner London Training are advocates of Kesslers International training programme. “Kesslers go above and beyond the call of duty in their work with apprentices. For instance, they supported one apprentice back into the working environment after he was seriously assaulted. They also work closely with schools in the area and support a number of community based initiatives.”
Kesslers integrate apprentices into the team, and in this vein the company ensures they are accepted as key members of the department, and fully supported at all times. Through this approach, Kesslers has found turnover for older members of staff has decreased, as these individuals derive enjoyment from working with apprentices and passing on their skills.
Kesslers aims to promote apprentices once they have completed their Apprenticeship. Half of these individuals move to positions of responsibility in other companies, making good use of the skills they have learnt, and the abilities that their training provided.
All Kesslers apprentices are entitled to day release when undertaking an Advanced Apprenticeship. Some go on to do an HND, or its modern equivalent, when they complete the programme.
Kesslers is a successful integrated design and manufacturing organisation. It has a huge variety of processes which range from thermoforming, extruding and laser cutting plastics, processing sheet metal and wood, decorating and assembly.
Kesslers International was Highly Commended in the Large Employer of the Year category in 2005, and is a finalist in this year’s national Apprenticeship Awards 2007.
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