North-east engineering company Alfred Cheyne Engineering said yesterday it had recruited a record intake of Modern Apprentices.
The 17 apprentices, most of whom are joining this summer, with the rest having started already, take the total number employed by the firm to 50.
Ace, which is better known by its trading name of Ace Winches, has about 20% of its total workforce in the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.
The company manufactures winches and marine deck machinery for the offshore energy industry.
It employs more than 240 people globally, including about 180 at its headquarters at Towie Barclay Works, near Turriff.
Chief executive Alfie Cheyne said developing home-grown talent was the best way to tackle current skill shortages.
He added: “My career began as a marine engineering apprentice.
“I understand the importance of apprenticeships both to the business and to young people. With a lack of skilled personnel available in the industry, it is essential to grow talent from within and to tailor skills to the business.
“This also creates opportunities for youngsters as well as developing long-term loyalty and career progression routes within the company.”
The latest apprentices include former Banff Academy pupil Anna Duncan, 17.
She has already taken up her place and become Ace’s first woman manufacturing apprentice.
“I decided to take the career path of Modern Apprentice in the hydraulics and service department . . . as it is a good way to develop in engineering and there are opportunities to travel the world,” said Miss Duncan.
She added: “I knew that I might be the only girl or one of few in the workshop, however, I have been treated the same as everyone else. I hope this encourages more females to join the industry.”
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