Engineering groups man up for apprenticeship programme
EFFORTS to develop the next generation of engineers for a Birmingham manufacturer have been given a major boost thanks to an innovative training programme.
Westley Engineering, a specialist in contract pressings, pressed tools and precision CNC bespoke components, is a member of the 10-strong group of firms which comprise the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN).
To round-out the skills experiences of its apprentices, it is loaning out the trainees to other members of the MAN alliance.
Westley, based in a modern factory in Aston, has already joined forces with Redditch-based Peterson Springs and MAN members Barkley Plastics and Brandauer to kick-start the project.
It is now looking for more businesses willing to take part.
The concept involves the apprentice – working towards the national qualification – being given the opportunity to spend time (usually a month) at one of the other manufacturers.
Benefits to the employer include a more motivated worker with a wider skills set and the chance to improve best practice training methods.
Gerry Dunne, Westley’s managing director, said: “There has been a lot of talk about the lack of young people coming into industry and firms are often quick to moan about education letting them down and irrelevant training schemes.
“We preferred to take a more pro-active approach and do something about it ourselves. The national Apprenticeship Scheme is a great starting point, but we felt we could enhance it further by working in partnership with firms who share similar values to ourselves, but could offer different work placements.
“It’s a win-win situation for both the young person and the firms involved.”
Westley Engineering already has two toolmaking apprentices taking part in on-site training at the EEF, while they will shortly be gaining injection moulding experience at Barkley Plastics.
Heading in the other direction will be three other apprentices.
“We are probably back to pre-recession levels and the investment we made in the new facility and equipment is really starting to pay off,” said Mr Dunne.
“If we are going to grow at pace we need to ensure we focus on the next generation of engineers and this new partnership for developing apprentices is a major step forward.”
Westley Engineering is joined in the MAN Group by Advanced Chemical Etching, Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, FW Cables, Lightning Aerospace, PP Electrical Systems, SMT Developments and Wrekin Circuits.
