A LEADING UK firm is offering young people the chance to take their first steps on the career ladder.

Oswestry-based Aico Ltd, the market leader in domestic mains powered fire and carbon monoxide (CO) detection, has started its flagship apprenticeship programme.

Aico received more than 50 applications from potential apprentices over the summer, with four apprentices commencing employment in September in the customer service, finance and technical departments.

The company has also also widened participation in the programme to include existing members of its workforce, by offering two staff in the IT and technical departments the opportunity to upskill through an apprenticeship.

This brings the total number of people on the programme starting in September to six.

Neal Hooper, managing director of Aico Ltd, said: “Our structured and flexible approach to our apprenticeships ensures that we provide our apprentices with the right support and environment for learning, to help them progress through their apprenticeship programme.

“With the support from SBC training, Aico will also be helping to address some of the skills shortages being felt in north Shropshire, as four of the apprenticeships are aimed towards the digital and technical skill sets.

“With the imminent move to our purpose-built new home there has never been a better time to join our team.”

SBC Training, which is based in Shrewsbury, will provide training and support for the new apprentices.

Colin Thaw, training manager at SBC, said that he was looking forward to working with Aico and the the company’s apprentices.

He said: “We look forward to supporting them as part of our commitment to ensuring the delivery of high-quality training and development.”

Sam Marston, who has secured a technical infrastructure apprenticeship position said: “Since discovering about Aico in school, I have aspired to work there. I am looking forward to joining the team and progressing with my career.”

Aico also actively supports education providers in Shropshire by offering work experience placements, support with careers events and tours of their Centre of Excellence.

Students who are moving into Year 10 and looking for a work experience placement in 2019, are encouraged to write in with their requests as soon as possible.

For more information, visit www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk