Inca Digital takes on new apprentices

Inkjet printer manufacturer Inca Digital has taken on four new apprentices and is looking for a fifth.

The Cambridge-based firm takes on new apprentices for its four-year apprenticeship scheme annually and had five spaces available this year.

Four positions, for Inca's mechanical manufacturing engineering department, have been filled while one more, for its internal IT department, is currently open to applications.

The four apprentices already hired have started with the company in the past couple of weeks and will receive structured work experience in many areas of the business, including operations, customer support and R&D.

They will also be given day release to study towards an approved standard qualification as part of an Approved English Apprenticeship.

Inca Digital finance director Matthew Negus told PrintWeek: “It’s a really good scheme for young people and for Inca. We’re really committed to manufacturing in Cambridge and the UK and our workforce is just as important to us as our technology.

“It’s a big investment for us but it’s about getting the right skills for Inca and securing the long-term future because the skills we look for aren’t necessarily readily available out in the open market.

“It’s a way of ensuring we’ve got the young blood coming through and learning the Inca way. The apprentices have got their own ideas and they bring their energy in; they just fit in really well.”

Apprentices who have been taken on in previous years and successfully completed their apprenticeships have now moved on to new roles within the business.

Russ Davis, 27, joined Inca in 2008 as an apprentice in manufacturing. During that time, he gained experience in a variety of manufacturing disciplines and was involved with the build of many Inca products, including the last Onset S70 ever manufactured.

Since completing his apprenticeship in 2012, Davis has visited customer sites, assisted US engineers with conversions and installed machines around the world.

Davis, who is currently working for Inca as a print commissioner, said: “The apprentice scheme is well-organised and provides great opportunities for anyone willing to put in the hard work to progress in this industry.”

Zack Taylor, 24, started his apprenticeship after finishing his A Levels and has recently completed it. He is now working in Inca’s production department and hopes to become a print commissioner after developing his skills. 

Taylor said: “The apprenticeship scheme is well-structured and interesting. I really enjoyed spending time in the different areas of the company and learning about all the Inca products. Inca is very supportive, pushing me to achieve my goals. It is very satisfying to be a part of its growth.”