Trox UK is now in its sixtieth year as a major manufacturer and supplier of energy efficient air conditioning, ventilation and fire safety products for buildings across the UK. The company places its wholehearted support behind the apprenticeship route into training and employment, and is delighted to celebrate National Apprenticeships Week with the announcement of a new apprenticeship opportunity.

A number of Trox's Thetford-based team kick-started their careers via the apprenticeship route, and have progressed to permanent roles across the company, including Wiktoria Zak (service administrator), James Black (contracts engineer) and Andrew Fletcher, who joined as an apprentice in Trox's laboratory and has now progressed to a new role at Trox as a product support engineer within the technical team.

Wiktoria Zak commented: 'I decided to apply for an apprenticeship because I thought it would be a good way to start my career. The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to engage with all aspects of the business and develop relationships in all departments which massively helped me progress within my role. After I completed my apprenticeship, I was offered a full time Service Administrator role which I accepted and hope to progress further in the company.'

Andrew Fletcher added: ‘When deciding whether to go to college or get an apprenticeship it was a no brainer for me. With an apprenticeship I was able to work towards the same qualifications that I would have obtained at college, but also gained hands-on industry experience. With these new skills and qualifications, I was able to progress my career at Trox and move to a department where they are now supporting me whilst I study for my mechanical engineering degree. I strongly recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone who is looking to become an engineer.’

Recruitment has continued in recent years, despite the disruptions of COVID-19 and Trox has a long established and successful history of training and development of apprentices. The latest addition to the Trox apprenticeship programme is Thomas Walker, who is an apprentice engineering technician within the maintenance team. Apprentices gain practical on-the-job training whilst studying relevant qualifications at local colleges.

Thomas Walker commented: ‘I chose an apprenticeship as I wanted to learn while I was earning. I enjoy the learning on the job aspect as well as Trox's positive attitude to external and internal learning. As I have learnt skills and progressed as a technician within the Maintenance Team I have been given more interesting and challenging jobs.’

Suzanne Archer, managing director (finance and HR) Trox UK, commented: ‘Plans are now in place to recruit and welcome another new apprentice in 2022 to the Trox apprenticeship scheme. Trox is currently advertising, in collaboration with West Suffolk College, for an engineering technician Apprentice. In addition to this apprenticeship, Trox is also currently recruiting for job vacancies across its team for a laboratory engineer, a contracts engineer and an applications engineer and multiple opportunities for production operatives, due to the continued growth and success of the business.’

Trox UK has fostered a culture of learning through our apprentices and we have created valued members of our workforce with around ten successful apprentices over the years. The apprenticeship scheme has allowed us to generate new skills within the business and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience between colleagues.

Neil Addison, managing director (sales and operations) Trox UK, commented: ‘The ‘build the future’ theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is absolutely relevant. The buildings of the future need to undergo a technological revolution to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their sustainability. The combination of targeted on-the-job training and academic qualifications offered by apprenticeship programmes helps our industry sector to develop the skilled personnel necessary to make those ambitions a reality. We congratulate our existing apprentices on their achievements, and look forward to welcoming additional members to our team.’