Here at ILE, we have championed apprenticeships since 2014 and remain committed to inspiring and supporting the next generation of lift industry experts. With local apprentices at both our manufacturing and design hubs, we work with colleges in Leicester and Keighley to ensure our apprentices successfully achieve their qualifications as well as gain vital practical experience. 

What does an apprenticeship at ILE look like?

Through hands-on skills as well as peer learning, our apprentices get experience from across the business – not just their specific area of interest. This ensures every apprentice has a wide knowledge and understanding of the company, and it allows them to explore new potential interests. Our apprentices will find themselves with electrical and manufacturing experience as well as design knowledge and people skills, often also combined with IT and administration.

“Our rotation of experience often means that our apprentices find unexpected areas of fulfilment. We always encourage students to follow their own ambition and develop their own specialisms.”

Nancy Lycett, Managing Director

One of the main benefits of apprenticeships is that they offer an alternative to other qualifications. There can be a wide range of reasons why someone chooses to become an apprentice, and we believe it’s important to help the individual find the most valuable experience. That’s why we aim to pair each student with the best opportunity to explore areas where they are strong, as well as areas where there’s room for growth.

Macauley’s story

Macauley started with us in 2014 at the age of 16 as an apprentice panel wireman, building panels and wiring them, ready to be tested. Having gained experience in testing and technical support, he is now studying for his NVQ Level 3 in service and repair.

“My responsibilities have changed quite a lot since I first started at ILE. I am now trusted to give advice to customers over the phone with technical support.

Also, I am starting to attend site visits on my own to meet with the customers. Each role I have been in there have always been people around me to offer help or assistance when required.”

Krushant’s story

Another of our apprentices, Krushant, chose an apprenticeship over university, to allow him to explore more industry-relevant experience early in his career. He now works in product design here at ILE, learning how to develop component designs using 3D CAD software. Currently studying for an HNC qualification in Manufacturing, he has his sights set on a permanent role at ILE. 

“It felt natural to pursue an apprenticeship rather than going down the standard academic paths. I get to gain qualifications while getting important practical experience, and that really appealed to me. At ILE I get to actively engage in projects, which means I can apply and enhance my skills in a practical, real-life setting.”

Dhru’s story

We also offer work experience opportunities, to share a taste of what it’s like working at ILE and what an apprenticeship may look like. ILE apprentice Dhru completed a work experience placement in our factory, discovering the skills required to make a lift work. His curiosity into how lifts work attracted him to ILE, and an apprenticeship was the natural next step for him.

“My goal is to build a career whilst gaining a qualification relating to the lift industry, to continue learning and developing my skills here at ILE. After my apprenticeship, I want to look into becoming an engineer in repairing and installing lift equipment.”

Benefits for all

Many specialist skills in the manufacturing industry are at risk of being lost, as older industry colleagues retire. Apprenticeships offer the chance to preserve and pass these skills on to the next generation, and we have the privilege of training these young people – for their future as well as ours.

If an individual chooses to stay with us after they’ve completed their qualification, we can be confident that they’re fully trained, well rounded and have a deep understanding of how the company works. This is a huge benefit to us as a business, compared to starting from square one with an external new recruit.

Step into apprenticeships

An apprenticeship at ILE opens doors to a skilled career in the lift industry. Thanks to a solid foundation, our apprentices thrive within the company, or are equipped for further growth elsewhere. If you’re interested in exploring an apprenticeship here at ILE, we’d love to hear from you and help you take that first step. Contact us for more information today!