An increase in apprentices at a major science research centre at Sci-Tech Daresbury is taking the site closer to its target of creating 1,000 jobs by 2030.
Daresbury Laboratory, which is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, now has almost 60 apprentices - a dramatic rise over the last decade when there were only a few apprentices on site.
STFC is part of º£½ÇÊÓƵ Research and Innovation, the largest public funder of research and innovation in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
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Recruitment for the next wave of new STFC Daresbury Engineering Apprenticeships is open for applications until April 11.
º£½ÇÊÓƵ Research and Innovation chief executive, professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said: "The range of skills and talents needed to drive the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s world-class innovation system is huge and often under-recognised. People and their ideas are our opportunity, and investing in talented people will unleash the region’s full potential.
"Daresbury Laboratory is exemplary in its commitment to putting apprenticeship training at the heart of what it does.
"This is why º£½ÇÊÓƵRI has put empowering people and places as key objectives in its new strategy launched today.
"We want to see the success of Daresbury replicated across the country to foster a thriving research and innovation system where everyone can contribute and benefit."
Paul Vernon, head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, added: "Here at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, our apprentices are a huge asset to us, adding real value to the work we do.
"Not only do they contribute to real-world research while they are learning, but they also get vital hands-on experience with some of the most advanced technologies and equipment available today.
"In the process, they are helping to ensure that the º£½ÇÊÓƵ has the skills it needs to stay at the cutting edge of research and innovation for decades to come.
"Supporting our apprentices in their personal and professional development is extremely important, and we have a dedicated team to ensure that his happens.
"This support has never been more important than in the last couple of years, particularly for those who found themselves in their first jobs and in completely new ways of working, thanks to the pandemic. However, their resilience has been outstanding.
"It takes time and commitment to develop a successful apprenticeship scheme, but the results and benefits are absolutely worth it.
"I couldn’t be more proud of our apprentices here at Daresbury, and look forward to supporting many more as our apprenticeship scheme continues to grow and thrive."
