Signage and imaging company Astley has begun a search for young people as it undergoes a major review of its succession planning.
Astley, which comprises Astley Signs, Astley Imaging and Astley Maintenance, with offices in Gateshead, Leeds, Glasgow and Milton Keynes and employs nearly 120 people, said it will invest to attract youngsters who can be trained on the job with a view to securing full-time employment. The company was established over 90 years ago and underwent a management buyout in 1990. Earlier this year it was named Manufacturer of the Year at the Tyneside and Northumberland Business Awards.
David Forrester, co-owner and sales director of Astley, said: "A big priority for the company is to invest in the younger generation, who can be trained and mentored in-house and will complement our experienced workforce. I see this as key to the continued growth and success of the business.
"We've recently begun the search for talented young people who we think have the potential to contribute to our ambitious plans which will be implemented in the coming months and have just taken on four apprentices who will be put through an intensive training and development programme across all areas of the business.
"That's very much the start of the process for us and we are already looking for a further four people to offer apprenticeships to in the coming months. It's a really exciting time for the business as we look to build our portfolio and increase turnover across all of our target markets."
Astley's portfolio of clients includes blue chip brands, hospitals, schools, universities and public sector organisations, and was last year commissioned to manufacture the giant sign that adorned the side of the Tyne Bridge to celebrate the annual Great North Run - it is now preparing to install the banner for the second year running.