Black Country companies unite to launch work placement scheme

ENGINEERING company Glassworks Hounsell and accountancy firm E R Grove & Co have teamed up to launch a “My Engineering” work placement scheme.

The Halesowen firms are keen to encourage college learners aiming for a career in engineering by matching them with suitable manufacturing companies within the region.

Those behind the project want more manufacturers and colleges to get involved in the scheme.

“My Engineering” will see 12 college learners working for 12 different manufacturing companies within the Back Country throughout their academic year.

In order to acquire a wide range of skills and experience different manufacturing backgrounds, each student will get the chance to spend time with at least two of the 12 participating companies.

Every learner will be required to attend one of the company’s premises for one to two days a week and full time during college holidays, plus, upon completion, students may have a chance of doing a full-time apprenticeship with their chosen firm.

The scheme was brought to life following a meeting between William Brinkman, director at Glassworks Hounsell, and E R Grove director Steve Lomas.

Brinkman said, “We are currently working with a number of very talented engineering students in our design department. However, there is a lack of young and interested skilled labourers.

“Working closely with colleges is therefore one of our key objectives and in order to get young people interested in manufacturing in the first place, their perception of the sector and our image have to change.”