Trade union Unite has signed a new engineering apprenticeship agreement with pladis, owners of McVitie's.
This agreement is designed to "set the gold standard" for the company's apprenticeships with the aim of getting 50 new people into these apprenticeships by 2020.
The firm has a five-year engineering technician apprenticeship programme, takes place across its sites in the UK including the factory in Caldewgate, Carlisle, which employs more than 800 people.
The agreement recognises Unite as the only trade union with which the company will consult on all matters relating to its engineering technician apprentices.
Neil Smith, head of manufacturing HR at pladis, said: “At pladis, we continually invest in our apprentices by providing intensive and rewarding work experiences, as well as offering best-in-industry training programmes."
Rhys McCarthy, national officer at Unite, said: “This agreement is a progressive step forward and we would like to pay tribute to pladis for recognising the invaluable role trade unions play in the design and delivery of high quality apprenticeship programmes."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here