Otley engineering firm searching for apprentices (From Wharfedale Observer)

Otley engineering firm searching for apprentices

11:00am Monday 17th September 2012 in Local news

An Otley engineering firm is recruiting more apprentices as it continues to thrive despite the recession.

Craftsman Tools, which invested £300,000 in its Otley manufacturing base and storage facilities earlier this year, is seeking two practically-minded young recruits to start as soon as possible.

The business, which has been at the forefront of work and tool-holding technology for nearly 60 years and saw its 2011 sales rise by 39 per cent to £4.8 million, already has a 60-strong workforce.

It says its recruitment of yet more apprentices – who will train for either three or four years and attend weekly college classes to achieve a technical certificate and engineering operations diploma – is further evidence of its commitment to achieve similar growth once again this year.

Craftsman Tools’ marketing executive, Nicola Harrison, said: “We are always committed to investing in new skills and regularly take on apprentices.”

Otley Chamber of Trade president, Tim Wilkinson, praised the company, which is now aiming to hit a £6 million turnover target, for continuing to grow in tough economic conditions.

Based at Side Copse, the firm’s recent investment included adding 5,000 sq ft to the shop floor to allow existing space to be used as a dedicated training area, while creating room for a new horizontal boring machine to boost its production capacity.