Wirral based lifting and rigging specialists Lift-Turn-Move - "The Lodestar People" - have launched an apprentice scheme, and taken on their first new recruit.

"We became acutely aware of the engineering skills shortage needed in our specific area of the industry when we were recently trying to recruit a workshop Engineer" explains LTM's John Jones.

They eventually found Lee Culff an experienced Lift Engineer, who joined Dave Ward, Alan Wood and Phil Jones in LTM's busy and expanding workshop. However, following this experience, they decided that training an apprentice with the right attitude and attributes would be a great asset.

"We specifically looked for someone with an interest in engineering" says Jones .... Adding that it is also good to be able to take on someone with no previous baggage or bad habits - so they can be taught the good ones!!

Out of 6 applicants, they chose 17 year old Phil Newton.

Newton left Wirral Grammar School with 8 GCSE's and is keen to get ‘hands-on' and learn the skills of the trade at LTM. Jones noted that he is also a music fan, plays the guitar and is interested in - but not over-awed by - the entertainment aspects of LTM's work. "Phil wants to learn, he has a very positive temperament, a good brain and there's always a smile on his face" says Jones.

Newton's apprenticeship in ‘Electro & Mechanical Engineering' lasts three and a half years, and will be a valid qualification that he can use in other sectors of industry.

He works at LTM's Wirral base four days a week and attends Wirral Metropolitan College in Birkenhead one day.

Jones adds, "I think it's a great testament to the structure, success and stability of LTM that we feel mature enough as a business to offer an apprenticeship after only two years of trading."