A CHEMICALS company in Brimsdown has teamed up with a college to encourage budding apprentices this week.

Johnson Matthey has taken on four new recruits for an apprenticeship programme at its Brimsdown site.

It is working with Hertford Regional College to take the apprentices through an engineering apprenticeship, which covers mechanical and electrical engineering, controls and project management.

The new recruits are being shown the ropes by Barry Connelly, Brimsdown site manager, who was himself an apprentice and has been with the company for more than 45 years.

He said: “Our new apprentices have only been with the company since early November but already they are making a contribution to the business with their enthusiasm and ideas."

Cllr Del Goddard, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and improving localities said, “The importance of apprenticeships and the business benefits they bring cannot be underestimated.

"I’m delighted that one of Enfield’s leading and long established firms recognises the value apprentices can bring to both their bottom line and Enfield’s future economy.

"Together we’re aiming to recruit at least another 50 firms, large and small to provide apprenticeship opportunities for the borough’s young people.”

Enfield North MP Nick De Bois said: “This is exactly the sort of scheme that we need to see more of in Enfield, long term, sustainable programmes which can offer real jobs and opportunities for people.

“I look forward to working with Johnson Matthey to help roll out more programmes with our companies in our main industrial corridor.”