One of the UK’s leading engineering and manufacturing training providers is urging firms across the Black Country, Birmingham and Shropshire to seize the opportunity to recruit from its largest ever pool of young apprentices.
In-Comm Training, which runs technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, has seen unprecedented demand this year following an extensive programme of outreach with schools and community groups.
The organisation has already placed 125 learners into roles and is now seeking employers for a further 75 candidates ready to begin their apprenticeships this autumn.
Driven by the STEM Engagement Fund
The surge in interest has been driven by the STEM Engagement Fund, which received a £25,000 donation from the Orlik family in memory of Susan Orlik, alongside more than £200,000 from Howmet, Brandauer and In-Comm itself.
This funding has enabled engagement with 15 new schools, reaching over 4,000 pupils and 50 teachers through taster days, in-school projects and the F1 in Schools competition.
Regional recruitment difficulties
Paul Hodgetts, Business Development Manager at In-Comm Training, said: “Employers in the region are having real difficulties with recruitment, so this talent pool of young people we have could be an absolute godsend for them. It has been proven that apprenticeships offer a great way of moulding members of staff that really get the culture of your business and, in the medium-term, will help go a long way to filling the well-publicised skills gaps.”
Various support activities
He added: “We’ve never had such a big talent pool, and a large majority of our candidates have attended various engagement events, completed mock interviews and sampled apprenticeship taster days, so they fully understand and want to pursue a career in industry. Companies are seeing real stars keen to have a career with them and 125 have already been snapped up. The good news is there are still 75 young people looking for the right employer.”
In-Comm says the impact of the Orlik family’s donation has been transformative, allowing the training provider to broaden its reach to schools including Bristnall Hall Academy, Joseph Leckie Academy, Lyndon School, Wood Green Academy and Blue Coat Church of England Academy.
Employers interested in accessing the talent pool can contact In-Comm Training via www.in-comm.co.uk, email sales@in-comm.co.uk or call 07741 194227.
