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Trailer manufacturer Don-Bur is taking on 15 engineering apprentices over the next 12 months.

The Stoke-on-Trent company – which employs around 500 staff across three sites in Longton, Fenton and Stoke – wants to take on the trainees as part of its long-term commitment to ‘develop and retain’ critical skills.

The first cohort of eight apprentices have already started at the business, and a further seven will join before the end of the year.

As part of the training each apprentice will complete a recognised Level 3 technician and/or Level 4 graduate apprenticeship.

Don-Bur has worked with the Hanley-based North Staffordshire Engineering Group Training Association Ltd (NSEG) to identify the apprentices.

Bosses at Don-Bur say the apprenticeship scheme is ‘vitally important to offer career stability and planned, structured growth for individuals seeking self-improvement.’

Lisa Blake, human resources manager at Don-Bur, said: “Engineering and manufacture relies on skilled associates who may not be readily available without training.

“The new apprenticeship partnership with NSEG gives us a unique, tailored apprenticeship programme that not only identifies high potential candidates but encourages an excellent retention rate after graduation.”

Paul Williams, leader at NSEG said: “As a prime provider to Don-Bur, we pride ourselves on our abilities to tailor individual learning plans, highlight opportunities and support the apprentices throughout the scheme.”