It’s been a tough couple of months for all industries in the business world with cutbacks on budgets, adapting to new ways of operating and some employers having to make staff redundant.
Newbury’s local University Centre, the University Centre Newbury (UCN) has been working hard to help apprentices who have been made redundant due to COVID-19, transfer their apprenticeship to other employers in the Thames Valley region.
One of their recent success stories is Emma Pullinger, who is studying Business Administration at the UCN’s partner college, Newbury College. Emma was made redundant by her previous employer and was part-way through her apprenticeship. The UCN was able to help match her with NORMA UK who was looking to recruit an apprentice in their Planning department.
NORMA UK, part of the international NORMA Group, is the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of engineered joining technology solutions. Based in Greenham Business Park, they design, manufacture and supply over 24 million engine clamps every year to world-renowned car manufacturers including Ferrari, Porsche and Audi to name a few.
Emma Pullinger, NORMA UK apprentice commented, "I felt very happy to find this opportunity a week after I had been made redundant. University Centre Newbury helped me find this opportunity and I am very grateful for that. NORMA is now helping me complete my apprenticeship and I am so happy that I could continue. All the people at NORMA are so lovely and helpful when I ask questions for my apprenticeship."
Dr Jo Houghton, Director of Business and Partnerships of University Centre Newbury, commented, ‘we are delighted that we were able to help Emma find another apprenticeship so quickly so she could continue her studies. We value NORMA UK’s partnership and are pleased that we were able to work with them to place Emma within their company. It’s important that apprentices who have been made redundant find another apprenticeship so they can transfer the work they have done so far and gain the qualifications that they have worked so hard for.’
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, NORMA UK are continuing to expand their business and with the help of the UCN are actively recruiting local talent. Offering excellent career opportunities, they cater for both traditional and modern apprenticeships in most areas of the business.
If you are interested in the opportunities NORMA UK has to offer or you're an apprentice who has been made redundant, please get in touch with University Centre Newbury by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01635 845000.