Reid says the apprentices who have been trained at the MTC are skilled in engineering basics, have the discipline required in the workplace, and a proven ability to learn.
"MTC apprentices are generally of a very high standard,” he confirms. “They have been exposed to modern manufacturing techniques and schooled in the fundamentals. We’re able to train them in the full range of disciplines and they’re a real asset. They return our commitment with loyalty, and we have a very good retention rate.”
Cyber-Weld, which was founded in 1999 and has its manufacturing facilities in Southam, supplies robotic engineering and robot integration services to a range of sectors, including automotive, nuclear, aerospace, and oil and gas. The business has more than 150 customers worldwide.
Three MTC apprentices are currently employed by Cyber-Weld: Matthew Pierson, who has completed his course and is going on to a degree qualification funded by Cyber-Weld; and Dalraj Singha and Ben Ellis, who are both in their third year.
"With an appropriate level of supervision we encourage our apprentices to use their initiative,” says Reid. “They are involved in specifying and purchasing software, developing processes and working on profitable projects. In turn, they impress and earn the respect of our clients. Supported by the MTC's infrastructure, we get young, versatile and experienced employees with a wide range of skills vital to our business.”
David Hughes MBE, interim managing director of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC), adds: "MTC apprentices are exactly what manufacturing needs to fill the high-tech jobs of the future. Our apprenticeship courses have the advantage of not being company- or sector-specific, so the result is a fully rounded apprentice capable of filling the most demanding of manufacturing and engineering positions. Several of our apprentices have gone on to win awards and accolades for their skills. Fraser at Cyber-Weld is one of many employers finding that an MTC-trained apprentice is a real asset to their business."
