As part of our work with the Madam Mayor, Janet Emsley, we kicked off our Apprentice Tours, where we aim to highlight the fantastic work being completed by Apprentices across the borough. Today, we celebrate the achievements of women working in Engineering fields.
One of the many inspiring young women who are currently completing their Engineering Apprenticeship training with Rochdale Training is Ellie, who works at Lee Springs, based in Rochdale.
Lee Spring have been manufacturing stock and custom-made springs, formed metal parts and related products for a wide range of industries since 1918. In 2024, Lee Spring Limited made the decision to merge the manufacturing and distribution teams under one roof. Drawing on the rich history of spring making in the region, Rochdale was chosen as the town to base Lee Spring Limited for the future Manufacturing, Distribution, Accounts, Sales and Engineering operations, making the Rochdale site the head office.
Ellie has worked with Lee Springs for nearly four years after applying for an advert for an Apprenticeship role, which Rochdale Training offers to employers as part of their free recruitment service. Starting off working in an administration position within the company, Ellie’s aspirations were always focused on working in the Engineering Workshop and becoming a qualified Engineer. Ellie chose the Apprenticeship pathway due to being a practical learner and wanting to learn on the job.
Lucy Hargreaves, Logistics Manager, for Lee Springs, said, “Ellie is a fantastic Apprentice, and due to her prior role at Lee Springs, she has been a fantastic addition to the Engineering team. Understanding the needs of the business, she is a key driver for our expansion and success.
After completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, the opportunity arose for Ellie to move into a new role as a Design Engineer, a role in which she is excelling in. She now attends Rochdale Training, completing her Engineering Operative Level 2.
Madam Mayor, Janet Emsley said, “It’s important that the achievements of Apprentices like Ellie are highlighted so that other young women are not afraid to join the sector, it was great to see the work being completed first-hand, and I’m looking forward to seeing Ellie’s progression in the future.
Nathan Finn, Employer Skills Advisor at Rochdale Training, said, “Today was a fantastic way to start our tours of Apprenticeship employers in the borough, highlighting Ellie’s achievements and recognising the work that Lee Springs have put into creating a career Pathway which Ellie had a keen interest in. If any other Employers would be interested in highlighting the success of their Apprentices or even speaking to us about how they recruit Apprentices, contact me on 07841 921 848 or nfinn@rochdaletraining.co.uk
Interested in starting one of our Apprenticeships? Click on 'Apprenticeship Vacancies' under 'Apprenticeships' at the top of our page. You can access there all our current vacancies and apply!
