Top JLR supplier confronts skills crisis by launching its own academy

A LEADING supplier to Jaguar Land Rover has confronted its skills gap by setting up its own in-house training academy.

Coleshill-based Sertec has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, due largely to the expansion of the vehicle manufacturer.

The squeeze on capacity due to the surge in orders has resulted in the firm moving to newer and larger premises, while it has recently secured a new deal on a nearby warehouse unit with it intends to use as its distribution hub.

However, while the rapid expansion has been dealt with in terms of bricks and mortar, the strain it has placed on staffing resources is significant.

The situation is by no means unique to Sertec and the pressure in general, on both the JLR and wider automotive supply chain to find new skilled labour continues to be an issue.

The situation has now prompted Sertec to take the matter into its own hands and to guarantee the supply of skilled labour it will need to sustain the business, it has launched its own training operation – the Sertec Learning Academy.

Sertec said training had always been a part of building an effective and efficient workforce at its five Birmingham factories.

The launch of the new academy means the company can now take on new, unskilled people and give them a world class induction and train them before a single day’s work is completed.

Based at its Wincaster House headquarters, the Learning Academy will cover all aspects of the manufacturing processes involved in the supply of automotive components. The training will not only be for new starters but for existing employees too.

The new facilities have already by showcased to North Warwickshire MP, Craig Tracey.

He said: “I was delighted to see first-hand how this important employer is tackling their skills shortage in such innovative way.

“This new facility shows the importance the company puts in their people and I am sure this will be used as a blueprint for other companies around the country. It is great news that once again a North Warwickshire company is leading the way”

Grant Adams, Sertec Group chief executive said the academy was just the beginning of the group’s new skills initiative.

He said: “The possibilities are endless in our efforts to up-skill our workforce and with our current team of 1,500 people increasing by a further 100 workers over the next twelve months, the academy is an essential development in the future of our business.”