A training provider in Aldridge is creating a legacy for manufacturers across the region by giving young people the skills to become engineers for life.
During National Apprenticeship Week (March 9th - 13th) In-Comm Training and Business Services are highlighting the work they do through their academy, which is equipped with industry standard equipment to teach the latest processes and techniques. Their specialised team has provided apprenticeship programmes to school leavers for over 30 years.
In-Comms Development Director Gareth Jones said: We produce lifelong Engineers ensuring they have the necessary foundations to enable them to pursue any pathway within the sector. As part of our training programme we ensure learners know and understand the stages of product development and are taught the different materials and manufacturing processes.
On the first day of National Apprenticeship Week In-Comm hosted a visit for Wendy Morton the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Aldridge-Brownhills to discuss the importance and the future of apprenticeships.
Wendy said: I really value the work that In-Comm is doing to develop skills in local businesses. National Apprenticeship Week rightly highlights the value of apprentices but it also highlights the businesses that are linked into investing in their future.
Gareth added: We were delighted to host Wendys visit, she has a manufacturing background and demonstrated a real understanding of how we are helping industry.
During her visit Wendy took part in a discussion with three local businesses who work with In-Comm; Chemique Adhesives, Phoenix Tooling and Cooke Brothers. Issues discussed included access to finance, business crime and apprenticeships.
Last year In-Comm invested more than £235,000 on installing a new hydraulics and pneumatics section and a live components board that provides real-life scenarios for budding maintenance and sector specific engineers. They have also installed a six-bay welding section and acquired CNC and CAD/CAM training simulation packages.
Gareth concluded: Our academy is one of the best equipped in the region and we are committed to continuous development. We are part of the Black Countries Strategic Economic Plan and this has enabled us to invest further in our academy during by adding specialist equipment such as CNC machine tools, Pro Logic Controllers, testing and conference facilities.
When this round of investment is complete we will have created an additional 50% capacity enabling us to start 74 Engineers per year onto our foundation programmes.
APPRENTICE CASE STUDY: MICHAEL GEORGE
In-Comm offer a full five year higher apprenticeship in engineering covering the HNC which is the bridging qualification enabling their engineers to go on to study at their chosen university. Michael George is a perfect example of our strength in the sector.
He in his in his year training at In-Comm and is on a higher apprenticeship. Michael has put into practice the skills he has learnt on projects, processes and problem solving by proactively identifying and improving quality in his company.
Michael is employed by the Rical Group, formally SJ & E Fellows Ltd, established in 1895 and based near the centre of Wolverhampton. They are a manufacturer and supplier of high quality deep drawn and technically difficult presswork and commercial catering equipment.
He also writes standard operating procedure which has been implemented directly into the company policies and works within the quality team getting involved with writing the quality policies.
Michael takes time to visit local schools to showcase how an apprenticeship can be a pathway and a real career option for young people. He is a fine example and role model for young people.
To find out how your company can benefit from In-Comms services visit www.in-comm.co.uk or call 01922 457686.
Pictured: In-Comm's Engineer Academy Leader Stuart Dalloway show Wendy Morton the ropes overseen by Operations Director Gareth Jones.