Fresh funding for Midlands manufacturing apprenticeships

In-Comm Training and Business Services is recruiting young people to get in to  manufacturing apprenticeships, engineering, warehousing and welding apprentices as its looks to surpass the 450 barrier for the amount of people learning for the first time in its history.

The company has sites in Aldridge and Shrewsbury where it offers intermediate, advanced and higher courses. The training gives young people the opportunity to use and practice with lathes and milling machines, CNC capabilities as well as welding stations to help them in their training.

There has also been significant funding channeled into the creation of two CAD design centres, including the integration of the latest CAD/CAM software.

Managing director of In-Comm Training and enterprise advisor for a local secondary school, Gareth Jones explained: “Enhancing fast track competency through vocational training is an excellent start to the learning cycle and this is why we have taken the bold decision to invest so much into our two academies and in employing some of the best manufacturing professionals in industry.

“Of the 65 places available, 50 of them are involved in industry and we are currently working with more than 20 employers who are ready to offer placements.”

The management team at In-Comm has been especially pleased with the progress of its Shrewsbury academy, which it launched last year in partnership with Salop Design & Engineering.

Christopher Greenough, commercial director at Salop Design & Engineering added: “ITAS is a great example of how a manufacturer and a specialist training provider can work together to deliver the skills industry desperately needs.

“The Government has done a lot recently to inform employers of the value of apprentices and how the new levy will operate. What we need now is a concerted push from all parties involved to inform the next generation of workers and employers of the numerous opportunities an apprenticeship can provide.”