A “model” apprentice who shone during his time at a Hull glazing company has been handed a full-time role at the firm.
Joe Gutherless, 19, has established himself as fully-fledged member of EYG’s processing department, having joined on an apprenticeship from Hull Business Training Centre in 2018.
And having competed his apprenticeship earlier this month – three months ahead of target - Joe has now been rewarded with a full-time role as a processing administrator, winning high praise from directors at the Wiltshire Road-based firm.
Nicola Arnott, marketing director at EYG, said: “It was clear Joe had great potential from the first day he walked in the door on his apprenticeship.
“He initially worked with our installations team but there wasn’t really a role available in that department which was suitable and which he could make his own. Within the first two weeks of him being with us though, we knew he had great potential.
“We worked hard to identify somewhere within our business which could not just accommodate him, but provide him with a role in which we could see his full potential, help him progress in his own studies and bring benefits to our business too.
“It has been a great success due to Joe’s attitude and desire to learn and do the best job possible. He is on time, present and correct every day, he always goes the extra mile, is always willing to help and his attitude is exemplary.”
Joe joined EYG while working towards a Level 3 IT apprenticeship diploma last October, having previously studied business and computing at Wyke College in Hull.
“I’m really enjoying the job and I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity here, as EYG is a well-established and well-known business, especially locally,” he said.
“The job is challenging, enjoyable and rewarding as we process hundreds of contracts, both for domestic and commercial customers.
“Our role is important given that we check the technical surveys to ensure not only the right products are manufactured, but also the right number.
“There are lots of things to check, from the number of doors and windows to the style, type of glass, and even smaller details such as on which side doors hang. These all have to be right to ensure the right products are manufactured, both for the customer and for the business to avoid waste cost.”
Apprentices also working at EYG are studying for qualifications including business admin, social media, manufacturing, advanced IT and the fabrication.
EYG was established in 1971 and achieved sales in excess of £25m in 2018.
It manufactures and supplies windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries to domestic customers and thousands of windows, doors and curtain walling to large commercial developments across the UK each year.
Nick Ward, joint managing director of EYG, said: “We believe local businesses such as ourselves can play a key role in helping to develop the local talent pipeline and to tackle a skills shortage which is proving a challenge for many, especially in the construction industry.
“As a growing company we have experienced difficulties at time in filling key roles within the business, but the talent is out there and by taking this approach we also get the benefit of being able to train young people in the specific skillsets we require.
“We have introduced some very talented young people into our business in recent years this way.”
