Luis to star as the apprentice thanks to Foundation

Luis Lowe takes up a Town Foundation funded apprenticeship with Heckmondwike business 600 UK.

The youngster, from Morley, has been awarded a year-long funded manufacturing apprenticeship at Heckmondwike-based 600 UK through an initiative by Huddersfield Town Foundation.

Luis, a pupil at Morley Academy, was selected from more than 50 applicants to be placed in the apprenticeship at the machine tool manufacturer and distributor, which counts BMW, Bosch, the Royal Air Force and Siemens among its client base.

After inviting applications for the apprenticeship, which will be funded by the Town Foundation using proceeds from the Manufactured Yorkshire 13 exhibition in May, a shortlist of 22 names was put forward by apprenticeship experts KITS of Brighouse. The Yorkshire Post was a media partner of the Manufactured Yorkshire 13 conference.

The final three were selected and attended meetings at 600 UK in Heckmondwike last week, from which Luis was chosen as the winning candidate. Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Luis said it is difficult for young people to find employers, adding: “It’s a good opportunity because it’s a really big company.”

Town Foundation trustee and club chairman Dean Hoyle met Luis at 600 UK this week to formally offer him the role. He said: “His passion and desire to start a career in manufacturing really impressed us during the interview process and I believe the visit to 600 UK’s impressive premises really opened his eyes to the opportunity he has been handed.

“Our ability to select and fund an apprentice for one year was made possible by the successful Manufactured Yorkshire 13 conference, which was held in collaboration with Hillrich and John Walton Machine Tools Ltd. The money generated from that has allowed us to place one young person from Kirklees into an apprenticeship for a year.

“However, that was only one part of the task and we’re delighted that we have got support from 600 UK, who will give Luis a fantastic opportunity to get on-the-job training and experience for up to four years.

“The charity’s aim is to make a difference to the lives of children and young people in our community and we believe this initiative will really impact in a very positive way.”