New apprentice learning precision on the job

Press Release from East Cambridgeshire District Council
Apprentices in East Cambridgeshire are continuing to help drive forward the district’s economy.
The East Cambridgeshire Apprenticeship scheme brought Thomas Barry, aged 19 who attended Soham Village College and Hybrid Laser Tech together.
The company, who manufacture and supply precision laser cut ceramic substrates, has been working closely with the Cambridge high-tech and micro-electronics industry for over 20 years.
Hybrid Laser Tech are based at a purpose-built 10,000 sq ft facility in Ely enabling the business to become an integral part of the complete manufacturing service that is provided to our customers as part of the Shearline Precision Engineering family of companies.
David Littlechild, at Hybrid Laser Tech, said: “It has been great to have Thomas as part of the team over the last few months – he has been a fantastic asset and we are all pleased with the progress he has made. At Hybrid Laser, we believe in investing in our staff to give our customers the best service and products using the latest technology that allows us to deliver one of the best cut qualities currently available in the industry. The East Cambridgeshire Apprenticeship is a great way to ensure the young engineers of the future have a way to develop their skills with local companies like ours.
Cllr Bill Hunt, who leads on Economic Development at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The East Cambridgeshire Apprenticeship Scheme brings together schools, young people and local business for the benefit of the district’s economy. Each of the apprentices that have been helped over the last few months has developed skills which will benefit them in the future. As they meet the challenges of the work place – they are not only learning new things about themselves but they help their employer to succeed and grow.”
The East Cambridgeshire Apprenticeship Scheme helps to support local businesses and provide opportunities for young people by topping up the national AGE grant of £1,500 by up to an additional £2,000 if the business takes on a young person from within the district as an apprentice.
The scheme aims to help eight to ten new apprentices to find work in its first year and forms part of the district council’s wider work to help support links between employers and secondary schools for the benefit of the district’s young people.
Businesses wishing to access the scheme should call 01353 665555 and ask to speak to the Economic Development team.