IT’S the time of year when people have completed exams at school or college and are looking for the next stage in their career.

Sixth form college or university may be the route for some but for others an apprenticeship, which are becoming increasingly popular way to learn and earn at the same time, could prove to be the best choice.

With the prospect of paying university fees of some £9,000 with hefty living expenses on top while you learn for three years or more at university, the prospect of learning for a career and being paid at the same time appears a much more appealing prospect for a growing cohort.

Newport-based Industrial Automation and Control Ltd, which is based at Queensway Meadows, on the east of the city, recruits apprentices every year and the process for 2016 is now in full swing.

This year the Newport-headquartered global operating electrical systems integrator, which has interests in places such as China and South Africa, will take on three apprentices - an electrical engineer, electrical craft engineer and also a purchasing administrator.

But what qualities is IAC Ltd looking for in its apprentices recruits and what can they expect? Well a great deal of hard work for the start, that’s for sure.

But Kath Lewis, of IAC Ltd, says the hard work brings with it a multitude of rewards.

Kath said: “We find that taking people on as apprentices to be the best ways to train talent from an early age. It gives us control over their learning and practical skills so we can ensure they don’t pick up bad habits and learn the most appropriate methods to suit our systems.

“The skills our apprentices learn are tailored to the qualifications required specifically for our industry. We ensure that they are trained in precise skills rather than generic engineering qualifications. We also find it’s a great way to foster loyalty by bringing youngsters in to the business and developing them through to more senior roles.

“Attitude is the most important quality. We look for enthusiastic, eager, individuals who are willing to learn, work hard and have a passion for engineering. Other essential skills include Maths, Science, in particular an aptitude for Physics and also English – this last one often gets pushed down the list a bit but our engineers have to be able to communicate their designs, to colleagues, customers and suppliers.

“We always tell the applicants to expect four years of hard work. If you are looking to leave school and stop learning then an apprenticeship isn’t for you. Apprentices at IAC are brought in to the company in early August so they can begin to integrate with the team prior to their departure to the training school in September.

“We operate a block release system with the training school, ensuring we see the apprentices and keep an eye on their training. Through the four years apprentices are given exposure to the different elements of the business so they can learn a variety of skills. This is fundamental to the scheme, ensuring the basic skills are provided early on, with the more specialist skills provided during the later years of the apprenticeship.

“At IAC we are also keen to develop a rounded engineer or technician and as such push our apprentices towards schemes such as World Skills, which develops not just their programming skills but also builds on their confidence as well as adding in that competitive element.”

IAC Ltd uses Newport and District Group Training Association for the vocational training along with the Btec ONC. For the HNC the business uses the University of South Wales as this provides candidates with a progression on to Degree.

“NDGTA have been our partner for a number of years and we have always found their training to be excellent. We specifically use a training provider rather than the local college as it allows us a closer working relationship which in turn helps us to identify problems early on so we can take action.

“Apprenticeships are essential to the engineering industry as a way of passing on the practical skills which may not be taught in school or at university.”

The majority of senior staff at IAC Ltd have come up through the apprenticeship route. Former IAC apprentices have proved to be world beaters with recent electrical engineering apprentice graduate Luke Elsmore, from Blackwood, beating all comers to secure a coveted place to represent the UK at the WorldSkills competition in Brazil last year

Industrial Automation & Control Ltd, is the UK’s leading independent systems integrator of PLC systems, variable speed drives and Scada.