Morley extends apprenticeship programme with North Lancs Training

Sealed unit and integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing has extended its apprenticeship programme with the help of North Lancs Training Group. The company’s first apprentice Kieran Buchan completed his NVQ Level 2 in Glass Processing last year and has now progressed to the higher Level 3. He says: “After my GCSEs I tried Sixth Form, but it just wasn’t for me. I was ready to be given more responsibility and I realised I would do better at something more vocational. At Morley there is always something new to learn, all the managers and supervisors are willing to share their skills and it’s really given me confidence in my abilities. Doing an NVQ has really helped me understand my job a lot better and I’ll definitely consider moving onto Level 4.”

Elsewhere in the business, two other members of the Morley team have now embarked on NVQs in Business Administration. Last month, Nathan Hall and Kevin Murphy started Level 2 and Level 4 of the NVQ respectively and will study topics such as team supervision and project management as well as providing opportunities for research, analysis and original thought. Previously a sales assistant at BHS, Nathan now works in Morley’s sales department, advising customers and handling orders. Having joined Morley is 2016 he is enjoying the chance to earn an additional qualification, which includes a visit from a GQA approved North Lancs Training Group tutor every four to six weeks. Meanwhile, after 17 years with the business Morley general manager Kevin Murphy is looking forward to using the opportunity to grow and develop. “This is my first time studying since my school days, but it hasn’t taken long to get back into the swing of it,” says Kevin, continuing: “I feel very fortunate to have seen the business grow over the years and have the opportunity to grow alongside it. I can already see how the skills I’ll learn over the next 18 months can be applied to my job role here at Morley.”

Ian Short, Managing Director at Morley Glass & Glazing which employs more than 70 people said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for the team to gain new skills, qualifications and a greater understanding of the business. I’m sure the business will benefit from the new ideas, as well as from a more motivated and inspired team. Hats off to Kieran, Kevin and Nathan who are committed to investing in their personal development and the future growth of the business.”

By offering real life work experience with a qualification alongside, apprenticeships and traineeships offer an ideal route for those looking to start out and progress within a company, with over 250,000 workplaces in the UK currently offering such schemes.