A family run north-east firm will allow two young people to motor their way to top careers after joining the Press and Journal’s Apprentice 100 campaign.
Fraserburgh-based Gray and Adams Limited (G&A), which designs and manufactures refrigerated and dry freight vehicles, will recruit a pair of new trainees as part of our campaign to create scores of jobs for talented youngsters.
One of the apprentices will work within the firm’s technical department on various aspects of the design and engineering of the vehicles.
The other recruit will cut their teeth at the purchasing and stores branch of the company, where they will work closely with suppliers.
Both apprentices will also complete national certificates covering a range of subjects at the North East College.
Managing director James Gray said both roles, which do not come up often at G&A, would be highly technical and hugely interesting.
Mr Gray said: “A lot of what we do is very technical. There’s no one-size-fits-all trailer. There are various combinations we can come up with. We can make them with three different temperature compartments, while some can be made to have room for 44 pallets.”
The company currently employs just under 50 apprentices in Fraserburgh, making up about 10% of its workforce.
Mr Gray said: “Apprenticeships are the future of our company. We are all getting older and if new people are not coming along to fill our shoes, then where does the business go?
“We are trying to encourage people to come along and to give them a career.
“If you like trucks and vehicles this could be the job for you.”
One person it certainly applies to is Martin Duncan, 21, who joined G&A more than two years ago and is currently completing a national certificate in marine engineering.
Mr Duncan, who primarily focuses on the manufacture of trailer parts, said: “I’ve been learning to work with others and team building, as well as how to use different tools and equipment.
“I really enjoy working here, they’re good people.”
Ed Mickevicius, 17, has worked as an apprentice electrical engineer since he was taken on four months ago, assisting the maintenance department repair equipment.
He said: “It’s been really good working here. I’ve enjoyed doing different things every day.”
To apply to become an apprentice at Gray and Adams, send a CV and cover letter to scott.strachan@gray-adams.com