Bosch Group recognised for apprentice training

WORCESTER-based boiler manufacturer, Bosch Group, has been recognised by Birmingham Metropolitan College for its commitment to staff training and apprenticeships.

Bosch Group, which employs more than 1,600 people at its headquarters and manufacturing plants in Worcester and Clay Cross, Derbyshire, has been running an apprenticeship programme for over 10 years. Of those recruited and trained under the scheme, more than 80% are still employed by the company today. 

The group has worked with Birmingham Metropolitan College to successfully train gas apprentices from all over the country for the past five years, taking them through their Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation at the Advanced Technology Campus in Brierley Hill, a Centre of Excellence for Construction & Building Services.

Kevin Stevens, Campus Head at Birmingham Metropolitan College’s Advanced Technology Centre, said:  “Our ongoing partnership with Worcester Bosch Group was highly praised for the management and the delivery of our high quality apprenticeship programme and it’s immensely satisfying to see our efforts with such a prominent local employer recognised and rewarded at such a high profile event.”

Allan Ovington, Regional Service Manager, Worcester Bosch Group, said: “We have chosen Birmingham Metropolitan College to be the national provider of apprenticeship training for our gas service engineers and we’re impressed with the high standards of teaching and learning as well as the knowledge and experience of staff.  It was wonderful to be recognised, as an organisation, at this awards ceremony because the importance of work-based training to the local economy and national skills agenda is vital in the current climate.”

The company was presented with its Champions for Apprentices’ Training Award at the college’s Employer STAR Awards ceremony, which was held at the Matthew Boulton Campus in Birmingham city centre.

Made in the Midlands helps manufacturers unlock export potential 

MIDLANDS manufacturers looking to increase their overseas trade are being offered help unlocking the potential within their business.

Manufacturing support group Made in the Midlands has signed a strategic partnership with FEXCO, a leading multinational financial and business solutions provider, to advise its members on developing their export capabilities.

The lobby group said it had become clear following the publication of its Futures Report, that there was a significant opportunity for British manufacturers to grow and expand their businesses into new territories.

Of those surveyed, 61% said they believed that production would start moving back to the UK, and Brazil and India emerged as important territories for regional firms to target.

Charles Addison, director, Made in the Midlands said: “We’re delighted to welcome FEXCO on board.

“They will be able to advise our members who are currently exporting, or planning to export in the near future, on how best to go about getting the best value in foreign currency and exchange rates.”

“There is an obvious synergy between our offers that will add real value to our membership. Our selection process for preferred partners is a robust one and our members trust the decisions that we make.”

Anup Sirichland, of FEXCO, is pictured left with Charles Addison, director, Made in the Midlands.

SMEs urged to join Staffordshire’s apprenticeship clearing system 

STAFFORDSHIRE County Council is targeting manufacturing and engineering SMEs to join a new initiative increasing apprenticeship opportunities.

The council-backed Staffordshire Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Recruitment hub enables potential apprentices to enter a clearing system. Operating in a similar way to the university clearing system, apprentices who have missed out on their first choice apprenticeship placement due to restricted numbers will be offered opportunities at other businesses.

The county said it had already recruited a number of businesses but was looking for more to become involved. The hub is run by Stafford Works, a charity which aims to increase employment opportunities and skills development. It is operated from the office of Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy.  

Cllr Ben Adams, Staffordshire’s cabinet member for learning and skills said: “In Staffordshire we have increased the number of apprentices in recent years and that is down to strong partnerships between a range of organisations.

“Our county is fast becoming a centre for advanced manufacturing and engineering and Stafford Works is doing an invaluable job in extending opportunities to people interested in apprenticeships in this area.

“It is hugely encouraging to see companies such as JCB and Alstom taking on more apprentices. Now more of our smaller businesses are realising the real advantages they stand to gain by taking on an apprentice and at the same time give someone a great start in their career.”