Zentia celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a hat-trick

Gateshead-based ceilings manufacturer Zentia set to take on three apprentices for National Apprenticeship Week.

Leading UK ceiling solutions manufacturer Zentia is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week this week (February 6-12) with the launch of three new apprenticeships at its headquarters in Gateshead, and more to come later in the year.

The company, which has two factories at Team Valley, formally launched its Apprenticeship Scheme in 2021 with the recruitment of five apprentices, in functions ranging from mechanical engineering to health and safety.

It was such a success that the business formerly known as Armstrong Ceiling Solutions is now committed to increasing the number of apprentices year on year, with a further three apprentices recruited in 2022.

Zentia has partnered with Gateshead College and Gateshead Council to support and promote apprenticeships in the region in the future. But even before it made its apprenticeship scheme official, Zentia was recruiting this way. Now some of its engineers have been with the business for more than 30 years.

The three new opportunities on offer are Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 apprenticeships.

Future apprentices can expect the optimum blend of practical and classroom learning, with the majority of their time spent in one of Zentia’s two factories – its mineral tile factory on Kingsway South or its ceiling grid factory on Dukesway. Some may also spend one day a week at college.

Zentia’s Head of HR, Nicky Gallagher, said: “Here at Zentia, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. That belief underpins every decision we make in our business, not just in making our apprenticeship scheme a formal programme. It’s why we invest so heavily in people development, helping our colleagues develop their skills and experience so they can progress their careers and drive Zentia to new heights. Not only is it great for Zentia, it’s also important for the North-East to continue developing these critical manufacturing skills.”