Lafarge restart apprenticeship programme

Dunbar Works seeking to develop future workforce by taking on two new apprentices

TWO new apprentices have started work at Lafarge’s Dunbar Works following a restart of the site’s highly successful apprenticeship programme. Fraser Flockhart and Matthew Foreman (both 18), have been appointed to work at the site as mechanical and electrical apprentices respectively.

Works manager Nigel Blair said he was delighted the plant has been able to get the scheme up and running again after being on hold for two years due to the downturn in the construction industry.

‘Former and current apprentices form a central part of our workforce here, and while the outlook hasn’t improved much in the sector, we’ve committed to taking on Fraser and Matthew as we need to keep developing our future workforce and existing apprentices are nearing the end of their training,’ he explained.

Almost all apprentices taken on at the site go on to hold down permanent jobs, and the current workforce comprises a significant number who have graduated through the apprenticeship scheme. Initially, the two new apprentices will be at Jewel & Esk College, spending half-terms and holidays at the Works.