SIX new apprentices have joined clay mining company Sibelco to work at its South Devon operations.

Among them is 17-year-old Harley Bovey, from Newton Abbot, who was just 14 when he was introduced to the company at a careers day at his school, Coombeshead Academy.

Harley went on to apply for and complete a period of work experience with the business, which stood him in good stead to secure a place on the company’s latest apprenticeship intake.

Harley now works at the company’s Preston Manor works, where he helps run the weighbridge while completing his on-the-job and classroom-based training.

His ambition is to progress to a senior site operative role, operating some of the heavy machinery and plant used across Sibelco’s mining operations.

But there’s one important milestone to tick off first.

He said: ‘At the moment I’m focused on learning the job properly and passing my driving test.

‘Once that’s done, I can start thinking about the bigger machines.

‘It’s great to be part of the team here and everyone has been really supportive since I started.

‘It’s good to be learning on site and getting proper experience while working towards my qualifications. I’m looking forward to seeing where it can take me.’

Harley is one of the latest intake of apprentices to join the company highlighted as National Apprenticeship Week demonstrates the value of apprenticeships.

The latest cohort brings the total number recruited by Sibelco over the past three years to 16, the majority of whom remain with the company, building careers across a range of technical and operational roles.

The latest batch of apprentices will be training in a range of disciplines including electrical and mechanical engineering, laboratory services and site operations.

Programmes combine classroom-based learning with hands-on experience and mentoring in a working industrial environment.

Graham Hole, Business Partner HR (UK) at Sibelco, said: ‘Harley is a great example of why apprenticeships matter and why we see it as so important to maintain close links with our local schools.

‘We met Harley through a school event and were able to give him the chance to gain experience, where he really impressed us and showed real enthusiasm and potential.

‘I’m really pleased for him and proud that as a company we have put the processes in place to spot talent locally and support young people to build long-term careers with us.

‘We are incredibly proud of our apprenticeship programme and of the young people joining us from the local area to build long-term careers in this industry.’

Training is delivered through a mix of providers, including the National Skills and Safety Park, Exeter College and specialist independent training schemes. Apprentices are supported through a combination of day-release and block-release learning.

Vicky Harrison, Training Manager Funded Education, at the National Skills and Safety Park, which works with Sibelco on the design and delivery of its apprenticeship programme, said: ‘Our partnership has enabled us to create truly bespoke, clay specific learning materials in preparation for Sibelco’s apprentices joining the Professional Operator Development Programme.

‘We are passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for people to grow, develop capability and realise what they’re truly capable of.’