Hard work pays dividends for Thomas

Thomas Gorham, 18, from Peterlee, did work experience at Mecaplast two days a week from 2014 as part of a course he was enrolled on at the Apollo Studio Academy.

His hard work and talents were noticed.

He was offered employment as an apprentice in the tool room and a delighted Thomas said: “I knew how important it was to take the opportunity to work voluntarily with Mecaplast as they’re a big employer in the area and it was the perfect way to get my foot in the door.”

areen James-Rawson, HR Manager at Mecaplast, said the firm was “particularly impressed with Thomas’ attitude and willingness to work unpaid.”

Sally Hudson, Principal of Apollo, said Thomas was “a real credit to the academy and very much epitomises what we’re about.”

Thomas will complete his apprenticeship at Mecaplast under the employment of engineering and manufacturing recruitment and training specialist provider Sora.

Director Ian Tindle said: “We work in partnership with Mecaplast to improve the skills and knowledge of their workforce at all levels, from apprentices to senior managers in both production and engineering roles.”