A Newbridge-based contract electronics manufacturer has appointed a new apprentice to join its growing hands-on scheme that provides a career path into the manufacturing and engineering industry for young people.

Aled Swain joins Axiom Manufacturing Services’ seven other apprentices already on the scheme.

The apprenticeship scheme plays a key role in Axiom’s sustainability plans, providing high-quality candidates to work within the business and the company has plans to double the size of the scheme over the coming years.

Managing director at Axiom David Davies said: “We are delighted to welcome Aled into our 300 strong team and are looking forward to teaching him new skills as he learns the ropes in the business.

“Developing the career paths of young people is something we, as a company, are extremely passionate about and our apprenticeship scheme is very much about creating a long-term, skilled workforce for the company. The benefit of recruiting people early in their career is that we can ensure their training fits in with our way of working and the company ethos in order that we have top quality employees across the business.”

During his apprenticeship Aled will have the opportunity to work across every business department before choosing a specialism. The scheme is run in conjunction with Coleg y Cymoedd where the apprentices attend college on a one day a week release basis.

Aled said: “I studied engineering during year nine at school and really enjoyed it, from there I knew it was what I wanted to do. I was immediately attracted to Axiom’s apprenticeship programme when I saw the hi-tech, innovative work the company does and for the opportunity to really learn about all areas of the business and work my way up through the ranks. I am especially looking forward to working in the design and build department.”

Axiom started the apprenticeship scheme in 2011 to help kick start careers in the electronic manufacturing industry, and address the common misconception that careers in manufacturing are ‘dirty’ and involve endless production lines.

David Davies, who is also a board member of Wales’ technology network, ESTnet, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our business model and it is the young blood like Aled, our other apprentices and the graduates coming into the business that will really help us steal a march on our competitors around the globe and future proof the business.”

To mark the appointment of its eighth apprentice and symbolise new growth, Axiom planted a cherry blossom tree alongside an existing row of trees which were planted by HRH Prince Charles when the factory opened 20 years ago. The company plans to increase its commitment to apprenticeships by taking on a minimum of two young people each year from 2015.