A ground-breaking graduate scheme aimed at boosting the capability of the Wellington region’s manufacturing sector is underway and is looking to grow through 2010.

The management development scheme, which is being run by Grow Wellington, places university graduates into manufacturing companies where they gain industry experience and at the same time receive relevant professional development in manufacturing and specific training disciplines.

Three graduates per intake will enter an 18-month contract that entails working for six months in three Wellington manufacturers, where they will participate in both in-house learning and external professional development.

Geoff Copps, Grow Wellington’s Sector Manager – Primary and Manufacturing says each trainee will make a specific commitment to the programme.

“They will certainly bring another dimension to the businesses where they are placed. We’ve got a lot of line managers in industry but not that many with degrees, so the scheme is aimed at boosting that professional capability and taking advantage of market opportunities that exist,” says Geoff.

At the end of the 18-month programme, trainees will get the opportunity for permanent employment, firstly by the businesses they’ve been placed with, and then on the open market.

“We’re excited about this programme and the potential it has for both the region’s graduates and for our manufacturing sector,” says Geoff.

To find out more about this scheme, please contact Geoff Copps.

For the Job Description please click here and to apply online click here.