Company news MP applauds Pensord apprentices – you’re hired!

MP applauds Pensord apprentices – you’re hired!

Apprentices – you’re hired!

Islwyn MP, Chris Evans has welcomed the news that Pontllanfraith based magazine printer Pensord, will be saying you’re hired to a new generation of apprentices in the valleys.

Mr Evans recently visited the magazine printer to discover how the company is doing its bit to address rising youth unemployment in the Valleys by returning to the traditional apprenticeship scheme as a way to develop its next generation of employees.

Mr Evans met with Pensord Managing Director Darren Coxon on a tour of the plant to find out how Pensord is hiring four new apprentices to learn a range of skills in addition to print, to be able to develop a broad understanding of the business.

With Welsh Assembly support under the Young Recruits Programme, the four will be undertaking an NVQ in Business Improvement Techniques, a qualification designed for the manufacturing and engineering sectors to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and processes. Three apprentices will be revolved around all areas of the print business, and one will concentrate specifically on new technology.

Pensord is also putting four existing members of staff through the course, and all eight ‘trainees’ will have a mentor assigned to them from Pensord’s own People Development Academy.

Mr Evans said: ‘I am delighted that Pensord are taking on these apprentices. We need skilled workers to help boost the economy and I am pleased that a local company will be at the forefront of this.

Pensord anaging Director Darren Coxon said: ‘This latest generation apprenticeship scheme offers a range of benefits for both ourselves and our local Welsh Valleys community in providing strong employment opportunities, helping us as a business with succession planning, building capacity for growth and introducing fresh, new ideas to the business.

On his visit, Mr Evans also learned the continuing success that Pensord is enjoying, employing 140 Pensord People and printing some 380 regular publications. The £12m turnover company has invested over £13m in the past seven years, broadening from traditional printing into multi-media content delivery.

Pensord also boasts a unique culture, with a strong focus on the development of its people, and innovations such as the Pensord Charter and the Pensord Charitable Trust, which raised over £50,000 for the local charity Hospice of the Valleys.