An expanding Coventry business where every employee undertakes an apprenticeship is set to grow as part of a Government initiative and hopes to act as an inspiration to other companies.
The OM Group, which was established in 2008, provides multi-disciplinary consultancy services and training within the construction industry, as well as health and safety support and training to other sectors.
It is set to recruit 10 individuals as part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme within the next six months after it received information about the national programme from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub.
It is aiming to employ business co-ordinators, health and safety co-ordinators, a marketing executive, a social media executive, a bid co-ordinator, a training co-ordinator, a sales executive and an accounts administrator.
The business has already recruited a training centre manager, a consultant and bid manager and a senior health, safety and environmental consultant in 2021.
All of those recruited through the Kickstart scheme will undertake a six-month training programme during their funded placemen following which, if successfully completed, they will be offered full-time roles in the growing business.
This is in addition to the apprenticeship qualifications, from Level 3 to Masters, that the existing 11 staff members either have done, are currently doing or are in the process of applying for. The firm is supporting this week’s National Apprenticeship Week which has a theme of Build the Future to encourage businesses to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals build the skills and knowledge that they need for their careers.
Damini Sharma, a director at The OM Group, is leading by example by studying for an apprenticeship MBA at Aston University.
The entrepreneur said: “I believe it is possible for a business, however large or small, to grow by taking advantage of the apprenticeship schemes that are available.
“Apprenticeships are a great way of upskilling your workforce and key to how your workforce can increase their productivity.
“Everybody in our business has either completed an apprenticeship, is studying for an apprenticeship or applying to start an apprenticeship, which is relevant to their role or in an area which can help them to grow within the business.
“The reason I believe so firmly in apprenticeships is that the training is provided through a recognised framework as well as delivered, for the most part, in the workplace. This helps the business to ensure that training is both practical and relevant and provides the individual with the confidence to apply their learning whilst it is still fresh in their minds.”
In 2020, The OM Group also brought on board Sejal Pancholi, as Development Manager, who ensures that the business is focusing on productivity, growth and personal development for each individual within the team.
She said: “National Apprenticeship Week is an ideal time to celebrate the achievements of all apprentices and acknowledge the benefits that they can bring to businesses. This in turn can also help firms through the pandemic, by upskilling teams, helping to build resilience and providing new ideas for innovation.
“At the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training Awards in 2019, one of our team, Sandeep Bajwa-Nakra, was voted the Digital Marketing Advanced Apprentice of the Year, and we are proud of all of the training that our team undertakes.
“Studying allows everyone at The OM Group to develop and really enjoy their role as well as grow to a different place in their career.”
The increase in recruitment has led to The OM Group expanding their base at Sutherland House, Matlock Road in Coventry to add another office suite and two further training rooms.
Justine Chadwick, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, has sign-posted The OM Group to the support available to fund their future recruits through the Kickstart initiative as well as guiding the management to funding available through the Apprenticeship Levy and providing various introductions to key people, who are able to assist in the growth of the business.
She said: “The OM Group is not your typical health and safety services provider because of the range of services they offer which are tailored to the individual requirements of their clients.
“Damini is a firm believer in the importance of employing people with the right mindset, who want to learn and grow with the business and are committed to the success they can add, not only to their own careers but to the business overall.
“It is a growing company and with National Apprenticeship Week taking place this week, The OM Group is a perfect illustration of a company which is attracting new talent, locally and nationally.”
Caption: Sejal Pancholi (left) and Damini Sharma from The OM Group