Sony UK Technology Centre (UKTEC), world-leading manufacturer of professional and broadcast camera systems, launches new apprenticeship and graduate schemes.
The Pencoed-based business is encouraging young individuals with an interest in engineering and business to apply for its new education programmes, which are due to begin in September this year.
Five apprenticeships will be available to talented and motivated individuals who, at the end of a four year programme will be qualified to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) Level 4 – equivalent to one year of university study.
Steve Dalton OBE, Managing Director of Sony UK Technology Centre explained: “During the programme, each apprentice will spend twelve months at Bridgend College where they will develop their technical knowledge as well as other key skills such as teamwork and communication. Thereafter, the apprentices will further develop specialist engineering skills and apply these whilst working on-site.”
In addition to the apprenticeship scheme, Sony UKTEC will be offering nine places for its new graduate programme. Graduate schemes will be available in Production, Procurement, Accounting, Business Development and Software and Electronic Engineering.
Initially, the graduates will take part in a rotation programme across Sony UKTEC’s main areas of business as a: manufacture of high-quality broadcast camera systems; Customer Service and Repairs Centre and third-party contract manufacturer.
Mr Dalton, continued: “Graduates will gain insight into the organisation’s lean manufacturing techniques and develop an understanding of all roles across the business from procurement, product assembly and product testing through to shipping and after sales support.
“This will enable individuals to develop a greater understanding of our complex and diverse business operations and support them in their chosen graduate programme.”
The graduate programme will last for three years. Each applicant will be fast-tacked to management level at the end of the programme – having achieved the expected performance standards and securing relevant qualifications in leadership and management.
Sony UKTEC will be providing each apprentice and graduate with a full time salary and will fund the student’s tuition fees, over the duration of the programme.
Mr Dalton, concluded: “As the cost of education continues to rise, it’s really important that talented and motivated individuals have opportunities like these available to them to pursue a career in engineering, manufacturing and business management.
“We have created these programmes to make this possible and to develop the next generation of Sony engineers, innovators and business leaders, who, I hope, will help shape the future of manufacturing in Wales.
“Our graduates and apprentices will have the benefit of developing their skills, education and business knowledge from a market leader like Sony. Furthermore, they will learn first-hand about design, process innovation and lean manufacturing techniques from those who helped make Sony UKTEC, Britain’s Best Factory.”
Applications for the Sony UK Technology Centre apprenticeship and graduate programmes commencing September 2014 are open now, and close on 15th June 2014.
To apply, visit www.sonypencoed.co.uk/graduateandapprentishipschemes