A chemical company is looking to sign up the next generation of scientists as part of a Government apprenticeship scheme.

Airedale Chemical, based in Skipton Road, Cross Hills, near Keighley, believes the scheme will be “invaluable” to the future of the company.

To start with, the firm wants to recruit a dye lab apprentice to join its team and hopes to sign up more apprentices across other departments in the future as a way to further expand its workforce.

It is currently looking to recruit a post-A level student who has achieved excellent grades in chemistry and mathematics. The firm says the potential graduate must have a keen eye for design and an interest in dye science. The scheme is supported by the Airedale Foundation, the firm’s charitable arm which has funded a new education partnership, a community defibrillator and sponsorship of several local sporting associations this year.

Airedale Chemical has signed up to the government’s apprenticeship scheme, which aims to produce a new generation of apprentices with the skills and expertise needed in industry.

Craig Thomson, Airedale Chemical finance director, said the scheme will help the firm in the future.

He said: “We believe this scheme will be invaluable to the future of the company and is an amazing opportunity for the successful applicant to make a flying start to their scientific career with a permanent position in our lab.

“We’re planning to rollout more apprenticeship initiatives in the future across other departments, providing a renewed range of skill sets throughout the business.

“This is also a fantastic opportunity to for us to create more local jobs. This company was founded on dye chemicals more than 40 years ago so the successful candidate would benefit from our heritage and decades of experience, learning highly-useful skills on the job.”

Airedale Chemical was set up in 1973 by Brian Chadwick and provides chemicals and contract manufacturing to markets including agriculture, dairy, water treatment and waste management. Go to airedalechemical.com/jobs for more information.