Local MP, Mark Pawsey, has visited three of CEMEX’s apprentices based in Rugby – Luke Low, Jamie Collins and Joshua Sargent – to find out about the opportunities an apprenticeship offers.

Mark’s visit came during National Apprenticeship Week 2018 which celebrates the great benefits to both employers and young people that apprenticeships offer. Since 2010 there have been over 6,700 apprenticeship starts in Rugby with over 1,000 new apprentices starting in 2016-17.

During Mark’s visit to CEMEX he was joined by Barrie Flitton, CEMEX’s Cement Logistics Operations Manager, and Dave Hart, CEMEX UK Logistics Director, to speak to three of the firm’s apprentices who are nearing the end of their 12 months training programme at their Rugby site. Luke, Jamie and Joshua all spoke about how they had worked closely with experienced drivers to secure their HGV license and learn the tricks of the trade, including unloading the full cement tankers at their destination.

Speaking after meeting the apprentices, Mark said: “It was very clear from meeting the longstanding members of staff at CEMEX helping to deliver apprenticeship training how enthusiastic they are about offering a new generation the skills the experience that they have built up over the years. However, as was highlighted by Barrie Flitton, young apprentices often bring a new set of skills with them, including a familiarity with modern technology which CEMEX are increasingly incorporating into their vehicles.”