A state-of-the-art training centre in the Midlands is supporting businesses to overcome the skills crisis by training the manufacturers and engineers of the future.
MTC Training is urging local manufacturing firms to future-proof their workforces through its targeted skills programmes. Based at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) at Ansty Park, the future-focused training provider is part of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
The MTC’s training experts are already supporting over 200 apprentices as well as HNC learners whose skills will be invaluable to the UK’s engineering businesses as they progress into more advanced areas such as additive manufacturing and automation and robotics.
And, through a partnership with Lloyds Bank, MTC Training is also offering a range of free support to SMEs in the region in areas such as sustainability, health and safety, and innovation.
MTC Training is now looking to engage with more schools – including primaries in the area – to encourage children to explore a career in engineering.
Tom Mongan, the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and Hazel Pilling, membership manager of the Chamber, paid a visit to the AMTC and will be supporting its efforts to help develop the skills for the future.
Colin Bancroft, regional manager, told them: “There are more STEM vacancies than there are people in the talent pool, so it’s a key issue for all manufacturers and engineers in the region, from the smallest SMEs right up to the major multinationals.
“We’re here to train those engineers of the future, and we forge strong relationships with the businesses we work with to make sure we’re creating a future workforce with the skills they need.
“Companies can come to us with an apprenticeship vacancy and we will advertise it for them, run the selection process and then train the individual on their behalf – so it’s great news for both the business and for the individual.
“There’s no question that engineering is still not regarded highly enough by the vast majority of young people and, crucially, by their parents who help them to decide which career path to take.
“We want to work with more schools to inspire the next generation of potential engineers at a younger age by showcasing what an amazing and rewarding career engineering and manufacturing can provide.”
The MTC is also working with business across the region to help join up the local supply chain.
Tom Mongan said: “My background is in manufacturing so I understand the great work that companies across our region do in this sector.
“I also know, only too well, the issues there are around skills and recruitment. That is why I was delighted to meet the MTC Training team so that we can work with them to help promote this incredible resource to businesses across our area.
“The MTC, in general, plays a major part in addressing many of the key issues that engineering businesses are facing right now – skills, sustainability and the supply chain – and I’d urge companies to get in touch with them to see how they can provide support.”
Pictured (left to right): Andrew Charlesworth (MTC) Hazel Pilling (Chamber), Tom Mongan (Chamber), Colin Bancroft (MTC)