A kitchen manufacturer is celebrating the success of its apprentices.

Rixonway Kitchens, one of the largest private sector employers in Kirklees, said it was cementing its position as a leading business in providing job opportunities for young people across the region.

The company, which employs nearly 500 people at its factory in Dewsbury, has employed more than 10 apprentices on its schemes. Of those, seven have gained permanent positions with the company – working in accounts, administration, transport, maintenance and purchasing.

Rixonway also plans to take on another six apprentices over the next year. The new recruits will take on roles in accounts, administration, internal sales and IT and will be recruited through partnerships with local colleges, JobCentre Plus, training provider Optimus and Entice, an organisation that matches local students with local businesses to create apprenticeship opportunities. Many of the apprentices will work towards gaining an NVQ qualification.

Recent Rixonway apprentices include Calum Gardiner, working in maintenance; Josh Smith, working in general business; Laura Brentnall, working in administration; Gemma Gibson, working in design; and Toni Larkin and Jerome Austin, both working in purchasing.

Laura, who joined the company from Earlsheaton Technology College in September, said: “Working for Rixonway gives me the opportunity to learn on the job whilst also earning a wage and a qualification.”

Paul Rose, chief executive of Rixonway Kitchens, said: “With unemployment amongst young people still so high, we are delighted to be able to offer some of the best apprenticeship schemes around and support young people in the local community.

“Our courses benefit both apprentices and the company – they get a great opportunity to learn key skills and study for a qualification and we get enthusiastic young people who are committed to working hard and learning on the job, helping us maintain our competitive edge.”

Rixonway Kitchens designs and supplies social housing and local authority clients with kitchens for a range of new build and refurbishment programmes.

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