Many years ago, a strong apprenticeship culture existed in the engineering and manufacturing sectors with generations of young people enjoying long and successful careers with local employers.
Over time, this culture was eroded with manufacturing decline and a lack of support for apprenticeships to the point where companies struggled to recruit the type of employees essential to the future of their business.
Now things are changing for the better. Support is available to businesses via Buckinghamshire Business First and local firms are not only embracing it but acting as apprenticeship ambassadors to encourage as many businesses as possible to embrace the benefits.
A good example is Martin-Baker, the world’s longest established and most experienced designer and manufacturer of ejection seats, crashworthy seats and associated safety equipment, based in Denham. Apprenticeships have always been important to the company, which has a history spanning over 80 years.
Apprenticeships a key business strategy
Head of Academy Marc Glanvill explains: “Training apprentices is a key part of our business strategy and has been proven to benefit the individual and the business in multiple ways.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for us to meet recruitment needs. Over many years our programme has produced some incredible people who have worked across the business and enjoyed some amazing achievements.
Delivering a fulfilling career
“For individuals, an apprenticeship is a great way to learn about the business, make and build connections inside it, and understand how it functions. I was an apprentice here 38 years ago and there are lots of other people in the business like me who had and continue to have amazing careers.”
That ethos is as strong today as it ever was and acts to encourage apprentices to stay with the company, helping it bridge recruitment gaps and develop a culture of excellence.
Marc adds: “The fact that we're saving the lives of aircrew is amazing and we're very lucky that we do some really interesting work from an engineering perspective.”
The focus on training also helps attract new apprentices looking for a fulfilling career in engineering. “The apprentices are integral and help us with a whole manner of things,” says Marc, “including assessment centres and outreach, and contribute to recruitment activities such as during National Apprenticeship Week at Sandown Park.”
Guaranteeing the right support structure
Martin-Baker currently employs around 30 different apprentices at different stages of a four-year scheme. Most of the apprentices work on a day release basis, spending four days a week on site with a day at college or university, depending on their chosen pathway. Each apprentice has a manager who is directly responsible for their training, while an early careers coordinator also has an overview.
“There is a support structure which ensures the apprentices are performing in their education and for the business. We also have regular tripartite reviews with the educational institutions,” continues Marc.
Courses take place at Buckinghamshire New University for the degree apprentices, and at the Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges group, predominantly at Uxbridge College, for the BTEC apprentices.
Building their own talent
For a major employer such as Martin-Baker, apprenticeships are vital to the continued success and continuity of the company.
“The local skills shortage is very relevant to us,” says Marc. “Sometimes the resources aren't necessarily immediately available in the local workforce, but by building our own quality people, we deliver to the business and local community in that way.”
Investing in quality recruitment
“We're well known in the aerospace industry, so people look to us for opportunities. But we also do a number of recruitment events like the National Apprenticeship Show, and engage with like-minded organisations such as the air cadets.”
Marc is also chairman of the Buckinghamshire Engineering Sector Employer Group and is involved in the Bucks Skills Hub and Bucks Skills Show. He is keen to encourage other businesses to get involved with the wider skills agenda.
Apprenticeships form a key part of the training culture at Martin-Baker that carries on throughout the careers of its workforce. “We provide our employees with training and personal development opportunities that continuously improve the skills and knowledge required to help them grow in their careers and foster a culture in which they are valued, involved and supported in their work.”
A clear message to employers
As a result, Marc has a clear message for any employer looking to take on apprentices. “Do it!"
"Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to ensure that the people who are going to continue to work in your business have the right skill set.”
John Browning, Workforce Skills Programme Manager at Buckinghamshire Business First, said: “Engineering is thriving in Buckinghamshire, offering a vibrant and promising career path for aspiring apprentices. The engineering field presents a wealth of opportunities for hands-on learning and professional growth, making it an ideal choice for those eager to embark on a rewarding career journey.
“Major Buckinghamshire employers such as Martin-Baker are proof that apprenticeships work and ensure quality recruits are taken on to help guarantee the future of a business.
“I would urge any business struggling with recruitment or just looking to grow sustainably to look at setting up an apprenticeship scheme. It’s an investment that will really pay dividends in the future.”
Want to learn more about hiring an apprentice?
Contact our Workforce Skills Team for more information. Call 01494 927130, email [email protected], or book a chat via this online form.