ZF invests in the next generation with new appointment

A global automotive business has continued to invest in young talent after promoting one of its former apprentices into a permanent technician role.

Lewis Charlton, 21, joined Peterlee-based ZF two and a half years ago as a quality technician apprentice.

In that time, Lewis has impressed bosses with his attitude and work ethic, leading to the opportunity to move into a permanent role.

As of December 1, Lewis will be employed as a supplier quality coordinator and he hopes the role will support his ambitions of becoming an engineer with the company in the next five years.

Speaking about his promoting, Lewis said: : “I am absolutely over the moon to have secured this position. This year has been very tough with so much doom and gloom around, so I feel like this is something positive to end 2020 with for me.

“I am really excited about the new challenge that this more senior job will bring. I feel like I have learned so much in the two and half a years’ I have been employed as an apprentice at ZF and this role is the next stage of my journey here.

“It’s such a great company to work for and really does invest in young people who show the right attitude and willingness to learn.”

ZF plant director Steve Hopper added: “Investing in young talent is just as important to us as retaining quality and experience and as an employer we are fully committed to giving our apprentices every opportunity to move up the career ladder if they prove themselves during their learning and development.”

ZF Peterlee, which employs more than 900 people, is a global centre in the production of camera safety technology, with millions of pounds of investment committed in the last few years to support the continued growth of the market.