Member Article

New graduate scheme wins Westminster approval

Northumberland’s largest manufacturing employer EGGER UK has launched a new initiative to attract more graduates into engineering – and won backing from Westminster.

As part of this, the Hexham-based wood panel manufacturer has recruited Jenna Wiseman as a Human Resources Assistant, who will focus on student engagement. With 580 people employed, EGGER already has a widely-acclaimed apprenticeship scheme.

Prior to graduating with a First Class Honours degree, Jenna spent two years with the company as part of her course at Northumbria University and over the summer worked in the Westminster office of Hexham MP Guy Opperman, who is backing the initiative.

He said: “There is a shortage of engineers right across UK manufacturing, and Government is committed to working with far-sighted employers such as EGGER to showcase the excellent career opportunities available in the sector.

“During the time Jenna spent in my London office she was able to gain a better understanding of where Government policy on education and training dovetails with the needs of industry – particularly in the recruitment of apprentices, graduates and other talented young people.”

As well as working alongside the company’s HR department to organise and attend recruitment fairs and other events aimed at job-seekers, Jenna will be working with other EGGER companies across Europe on a coordinated Employer Branding marketing campaign.

Human Resources Manager Jackie Stevenson said: “It’s an unfortunate fact that many young people leaving school and university simply don’t realise the huge variety of jobs on offer in Britain’s vibrant manufacturing and process industries.

“Although Government and employer organisations such as the CBI and EEF are actively promoting careers in industry, large companies such as EGGER also have to play their part and invest in the future of their businesses.

“We believe that having a dedicated member of staff, in the same age range as the young people we need to be speaking to, is a major step forward in shaking off some of the misconceptions they might have about manufacturing – and crucially demonstrating that it’s equally attractive for females and is not just a male-only industry.

“With a wide range of roles available I would encourage all those who are interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing to visit our website www.egger.com/jobs to find out what is available.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by publicrelations consultancy.com .