First female trade apprentice in 2018 welcomed by adi Group

Abbie’s arrival has knocked down another goalpost for the successful company, as Group Strategic Account Director at adi Group, James Sopwith, explained: “Having a female on the factory floor has long been an ambition for us. As a firm dedicated to paving the way in many different areas, we always want to ensure our engineering opportunities are open to everyone. So, of course, when Abbie applied for the position, we were thrilled.

“Abbie has shown great initiative during her participation in our Pre-Apprenticeship scheme which we run in partnership with North Bromsgrove High School, so we are certain she will go on to do very well here at adi Group.”

The Pre-Apprenticeship scheme James refers to is adi’s pioneering approach to inspiring the next generation of engineers. Exclusively for GCSE students (14-16-year-olds), for one afternoon a week for two years, adi gives a select group of youngsters the chance to get valuable hands-on experience of engineering in the real-life work environment at their Kings Norton HQ.

Under the guidance of adi mentors, young men and women, who aren’t necessarily thinking about university, are exposed to new potential career pathways. Proving its worth, 60% of adi’s 2018 apprenticeship intake came through the scheme this year. 

Abbie, who thrived during her pre-apprenticeship with adi, is undoubtedly a fantastic role model for other young women her age and was keen to encourage other females to follow suit and consider a trade apprenticeship.

She said: “You should try it and give it a go because you might find something you’re good at even though you’ve never done it before.”

She also explained her reasoning for taking up an apprenticeship and how adi Group’s Pre-Apprenticeship scheme has helped her integrate into a professional working environment: “School just wasn’t my thing, learning in a classroom is harder for me than practical work. adi’s Pre-Apprenticeship scheme has helped me understand what it is like to be in a working environment and having spent two years with the company means I already know people at adi Group and that has helped make it easier to fit in this week.”

There are still a number of apprenticeships available with adi Group, so, if you are late choosing your next step, visit here for more information.