Training boss warns about industry growth

Gareth Jones, joint managing director at In-Comm Training, says his firm has more than 100 positions – all attached to high value engineering jobs – that are available immediately, but there seems to be a reluctance to come forward and take advantage of them.

He puts this down to engineering and manufacturing still suffering from negative perceptions in schools and a lack of understanding on the career opportunities an apprenticeship could offer.

“Companies are coming forward and saying they want to invest in apprentices, and that challenge has been overcome to a certain degree. We now need to make sure that, as a country, we’ve got a pipeline of young people or more mature learners to fill them,” explained Mr Jones, who runs the business with his sister Bekki Phillips.

“At the moment we have 100 positions vacant at our Aldridge academy alone and these are for full/part-time trailblazer courses with a job at a local manufacturer at the end of it. This means you can learn from the best trainers, on the best equipment and get paid for it, with the option of going on to do a degree at the end – all without the associated debt that can go with it. This is a £100,000 opportunity.”

He continued: “There is still a perception that industry isn’t a great career to go into and, whilst we are changing that, we need to do more to paint a picture of what modern day manufacturing is like.

“It’s robotics, it’s CAD/CAM systems, it’s precision CNC machines, it’s playing a role in making sure Formula One cars get faster, aeroplanes are lighter, people can walk again – all played out in bright factories and with great earning potential.

“That’s the message we need to get across and we need industry to open its doors and highlight the magic of what is made right here on our doorstep. Schools, colleges and universities need to join us in getting this message out there.

In-Comm, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, has been offering industry and commerce a wide range of training and business solutions for more than 35 years.

Current vacancies range from apprenticeships in machining and mechatronics to electro-technical, technical support, quality, product design, toolmaking, welding and manufacturing operatives.

In-Comm www.in-comm.co.uk