Cable cleat manufacturer and industry innovator, Ellis Patents has once again demonstrated its commitment to developing young careers in North Yorkshire by taking on a new apprentice mechanical engineer.

Adam Sweeting (18) joins from Scarborough University Technical College and is the latest in a long line of apprentices taken on by the Rillington-based manufacturer. At present virtually 20 per cent of its 50 strong workforce started as apprentices – including all five members of its full-time tool room and metal work teams.

Danny Macfarlane, managing director of Ellis Patents, said: “We have a rich tradition of bringing on apprentices and are extremely proud of just how many have stayed and built their careers with us.”

Adam is doing his apprenticeship through Malton-based Derwent Training Association, which has close associations with Ellis Patents – with both Danny Macfarlane and chairman, Richard Shaw on its board.

The apprenticeship provider is heavily involved in this week’s National Apprenticeship Week, and will be hosting a virtual opening evening on Thursday 11th February from 5pm. Details of the event can be found here.

“As a business we are viewed in two very distinct ways,” added Danny. “On the one hand we are a manufacturer of specialised electrical safety products that are in demand around the world; while on the other we are a significant employer in our rural corner of Yorkshire.”

“These two sides make Ellis Patents what it is, and the role of apprentices, both old and new, and the potential they have to grow and shape the business, will always be paramount to our success.”