At Crowcon we have a passion for gas detection, for over 50 years we have been manufacturing high quality gas detectors that are reliable and have technical innovation. In a week that brings businesses and apprentices together to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, business and the wider economy, we are delighted that we offer such apprenticeships here at Crowcon.
With over 25 employees having completed an apprenticeship and three currently going through the process, we know apprenticeships are more than just a qualification, they offer experience to become a professional in a chosen trade, helping to make an impact in the business all whilst earning a wage.
“Apprenticeships are still undercelebrated despite of all the benefits they bring to both the individuals and the business. They perfectly blend theory and practical skills together into a learning-working experience that is like no other. Crowcon has seen many of our colleagues successfully graduate form apprenticeships with HNC, HND and even bachelor’s degrees. I would strongly encourage today’s youth to consider apprenticeship route, especially females within STEM. I have no doubt that it will unlock many career opportunities for you” – Birute Infantado, Human Resources Manager.
In the process of building your engineering career through an apprenticeship scheme at Crowcon, you will experience a work environment day-to-day in parallel whilst gaining the benefits from experienced colleagues and mentors who can help you build your skills and take them straight into the workplace.
An advanced apprenticeship at Crowcon takes three years to complete. We work closely with local colleges to provide apprenticeship programs with the opportunity to continue your academic studies at both Newbury College that covers engineering or Abingdon and Witney College that supports business improvement. The scheme combines 80% work and 20% learning time.
We believe that home grown talent is the future. Although higher education has now become an expectation in the workplace, the cost of higher education is leading many to re-think the automatic study routes. Vocational career paths have become widely available, offering a multitude of opportunities and development routes. People development is at the heart of our business success and working collaboratively to release the wider potential within our business is how Crowcon will continue to go from strength to strength.
Following completion of the three-year apprenticeship, previous apprentices have developed the scope to move into engineering roles after a few years in the Line Technician position. Not only have all our apprentices been placed in permeant jobs within Crowcon following the end of their apprenticeships, but some have even continued with higher level apprenticeship studies. Some of the previous apprentices have taken roles in Test and Verification, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Project Management within R&D.
Hear what some of our current apprentices have to say:
“One of the things I particularly enjoy about the apprenticeship is the fact you earn while you learn, with the opportunity to continue into higher education all supported and sponsored by the company, meaning no hefty student loan. Additionally, with a tailored training and development plan directly related to the job – you pick up a lot of useful/ specialist skills along the way which puts you in line for great career prospects and progression. I would recommend the apprenticeship route as it gives you the opportunity to learn within the industry, whilst putting these into practice in real world scenarios, which is just as valuable as going to university” – Alex Watson, Test and Verification Technician
“The apprenticeship gave me an insight and understanding into LEAN practice and has given me the tools to streamline production and improve processes. Working in small teams with other apprentices doing the same course was good as we all had different opinions and views which was also a good learning process for me” – Debbie Murphy, Team Leader.
“I am currently undergoing Level 3 Engineering Technician course, where I am learning the basics of electronics as well as building and testing my own circuit boards. The apprenticeship is allowing me to develop my social skills as well as get hands on by combining my learning and work together” – Ethan Shurmer, Line Technician.
“Throughout my time at Crowcon, I have completed 4 apprenticeships from level 3 to level 6. The apprenticeships have allowed me to work in real world environments giving the options to gain the essential experience needed for future careers choices and have provided me with the skills and knowledge to progress further within the engineering industry” – Vikesh Patel, Junior Project Manager.
We’re always looking at recruiting apprentices and graduate engineers to support in achieving recognised qualifications from NVQs at Level 2 to BTECs, HNC and in some disciplines, such as finance or purchasing, post graduate or professional certificates.
xfordshire County Council have worked closely with employers in the south of the county to build closer links with schools and encourage young people to think about apprenticeships as an alternative route into careers which may traditionally have involved full time study at university. Crowcon have been delighted to be part of this initiative for the last 3 years, educating and inspiring over 100 pupils aged 14/15. 
