JM Heaford recruits apprentices

Hakim Ali is training to qualify in mechatronics, while Gwilym Heaford will build on experience across a range of engineering fields to qualify in mechanical engineering.

Under the tutelage of David Muncaster, JM Heaford’s director of operations and business development, the two new Heaford team members have both started four-year apprenticeships incorporating formal academic training in their chosen fields.

Ali, who has studied electrical and electronic engineering to date, said: ‘This is an awesome opportunity. Not only do I get to learn what I consider to be a really exciting field of engineering today, but I’m doing it in a proper business environment, experiencing all the real pressures and demands of meeting needs day-to-day and learning from the experienced guys that have a huge amount of knowledge. I can’t wait to be contributing more to new product developments as they happen.’

In addition to recruiting apprentices, JM Heaford has recognized four long-standing members of staff for their service to the company.

Between them, Phil Lewtas, Graham Littler, Paul Robson and Nigel Heaford have served more than 100 years with JM Heaford. Robson, production supervisor, and Heaford, international sales manager, joined the company as young apprentices themselves. The company noted how during their time at JM Heaford, the group has contributed to several key technology developments, such as the introduction of microdot mounting to the flexographic market. For Littler, senior design engineer, achievements have included the personal success of numerous patents, including the award-winning FTS mounter and AutoMounter technology.

JM Heaford managing director Sally-Anne Heaford commented: ‘We always try to maintain a balanced intake of new talent, for the benefit of our customers, of our own reputation and of the industry as a whole. It’s not always easy to attract young talent prepared to commit for the long-term but we see it as an essential step in ensuring continuity of our know-how, manufacturing standards and ongoing service to our global install base.

‘Hakim and Gwilym follow in the footsteps of a number of successful apprentices over the past few years who have stayed with us and flourished. For their time investment, they will be rewarded with some of the best hands-on training available from seasoned professionals in an industry that guarantees to keep them on their toes for the duration.’