Ampair creates a range of new jobs in renewables

Dorset based small wind and hydro turbine manufacturer Ampair has announced that it is has created eight new job opportunities after experiencing solid growth in 2011 as a result of its continued international success in the renewable energy market.

Ampair started making wind turbines for yachts in Poole in the early seventies and has grown from strength to strength, particularly in recent years as interest in renewable energy has grown. They now manufacture a wide range of renewable energy based products, such as hydro-electric turbines for water mills, wind turbines for farms and smallholdings and a range of sophisticated container-sized hybrid wind and solar based power systems that are designed to replace diesel generators.

The company's global business in what might be called the "serious cruising yacht" market also continues to develop, as does its involvement with expeditions, remote monitoring stations and small "home power" installations where their tough, rugged wind and water driven generators, developed over many thousands of miles of ocean voyaging, provide a reliable source of much needed power.

David Sharman, Ampair's managing director says "We started 2010 with seven staff. At the end of 2011 we have twenty including our two new apprentices and we are looking to hire another eight early in 2012. Almost all of this growth is attributable to our export markets, which represent two-thirds of our business."

This growth is a good news story for the local Dorset and UK economy and mimics what is being seen nationally in the UK, where the wind industry is expected to create 90,000 new jobs over the next decade.

A cautionary note was sounded by the company's Production Manager Quentin Kelly-Edwards. "It is important for the UK educational system to pull its socks up. The quality of the candidates leaving UK schools is lacking and, as an exporter, we cannot ignore this if we are to continue to be internationally competitive. We provide outstanding opportunities for our staff, but we are finding it hard to locate the right kind of candidate, whether sourced directly or through agencies."

Ampair is looking for four electronics/mechanical engineer apprentices, and technically trained graduates for the positions of two technical sales persons, a project manager, and a marketing assistant.

More Information:
Jeremy Davies
Sales & Marketing Director
Ampair
jeremy.davies@ampair.com
07919 593 950